Year End Haul (Shoes, bags, accessories and other random stuff)

Happy New Year to all my readers. Another year have passed and I didn't really made this year as promised so I won't be making another blogging resolution that I would most likely break. I feel really sorry for that. After the operation, I had a change of occupation and started taking my Masters in Management making me busier than I used to.

This year, I'd like to start my blog with a haul of some of the things I purchased and received as gifts. Just a disclaimer, this post is in no way intended to brag about what I have. And the stuffs are things that I accumulated over some time and some were given as presents . Let's just say, this is my way of thanking everyone for all the presents they gave me and keeping track of my purchases.

The only time that I love to buy shoes without regret is during a sale. I went to Ayala for some Christmas shopping and I found a really great deal at Call It Spring. Originally, the leather and lace shoes cost Php2,195 each but I only got it for Php650 per pair. They're really comfortable and I so love wearing them specially the leather shoes. It's currently my go-to shoes. I'm kind of more careful when using the lace one though because I don't want it getting stained. It's really going to be perfect for spring until summer because of the color. The rubber shoes would be my parent's gift for me. The color is just so pretty and girly but the tough kind of girly. :p

The next would be a bag from Celine and an inspirational book that my cousin gave me as a Christmas present. Honestly, I just got it today. I wanted to buy a Celine bag for myself but I'm having second thoughts about it because I'm really getting off my holiday budget but I guess now I don't have to worry about it.

Review : Duo Fibre Brush (Etude House)

I saw this a year ago but didn't buy one  because I'm more comfortable with using  a sponge. But when I visited Etude House recently, it only cost Php 428, Php100 less than before. It wasn't on sale though. In short, I bought one to try it out. I was pretty excited because this is my first duo fibre and brush purchase from Etude. I'm also confident that this is going to be good because I trust the brand but I got a little disappointed after I get to use it.

Haul : Wish Nail Art Accessories

I bought three sets of these from Watsons for Php 69 each. A set in rectangular, tear drops and assorted shapes. The packaging is fine and easy to store, the dividers aren't that useful though because it passes through and the colors still get mixed up.

The pieces are cute and the colors are not all childishly girly. Most of it are jewel tones which are suitable for adults. The sizes of the gems suits perfectly on my nails and they are also shinier than the border gems I use as an alternative ( Haul : Nail Art Accessories ). But like the nail gems alternative I use, the shine lessens when you swipe a colorless nail polish on it.

Every set includes a small tube of glue and a nail stick. The assorted gem set have an extra mini nail file with bear prints on it. The nail file and sticks are useful but one of the nail glues is quite disappointing because it's already dried-out so don't rely much on it. It's better if you buy a glue separately since they also offer the same at Watsons and I don't have any complains about its quality.

Tutorial : Spring Drops Bracelet

The bracelet is inspired by the pastel colors of spring, hence the name, with a little darker hue for contrast. I used a combination of glass beads and tinted pearls for this project. I also chose copper instead of 10k gold because copper hoop rings are a lot stronger. If you still prefer to use gold, I suggest you use gold filled hoop rings.

Haul : Nail Art Accessories

I went to personal care section of the mall and here’s a few that I got. I don’t know exactly  what they are called but they are both from the makers of Klick and OMG Nail Polish. 

One is like small sequence and the other is like floral shaped chips and they both cost Php 50. The Nail Sequence is really thin and tiny you cannot place it on your nails individually with tweezers. Either you sprinkle it or dip your nails on it or mix it with the polish for application. You can also use a toothpick lightly dip on clear nail polish to pick up a few sequence at a time.

Tutorial : Vintage Pearl Bracelet

It's been awhile since I did an accessory video so to start the year, here's a new accessory tutorial. This is easier than the others I made so I decided to use power point to emphasize little details.

Reveiw : Eco Tools - Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set

As mentioned on my previous post, this is the first product I bought online ( My First Online Purchase ). Other than being affordable, I read some good reviews on this set. It's environment friendly too. You might think it's a bit much for it's original price since I got it for Php560 from Barat Mode but considering the shipping fee (which was free when I bought it ) I say it's fair enough. 

The plastic pack is thick and reusable and the entire package is light weight. Really suitable for travelling. 

The actual case is really simple though. There are no extra pockets or anything for other stuffs. Just something to hold the brushes with, which is really tight, and a rectangular mirror.

The mirror is really thin but I think it's unlikely to break. I can't quite put my finger on it but there's something different about the mirror other than being too thin. Somehow I feel like the reflection of the mirror is that of a wrapping foil only a lot clearer.

The brushes are like 4 1/2  inch long with the brand and name of brush engraved on its handle. The bristles are really soft and compact. I have no major complains about it. The angled crease brush may seem too big, but it's actually just perfect.

I've washed it three time and didn't shred one piece of hair. The brushes still look and feel the same as it was brand new.

Review : Affordable Make-up Brush Sets in Manila

Divisoria must be the first place to come to your mind when thinking about buying anything affordable in Manila. But honestly, its just too big and crowded for me to handle. So I went to Quiapo instead to look for make-up brushes. I found one for a really low price of P180 for 12 pieces with brush roll.

It's brandless but the quality is not that cheap at all. The bristles are soft and the handles are sturdy. I think these are the same brushes they use on small salons. Although I did loss a few strands with the powder and blush brush after combing it.

Tutorial : Floral Inspired Bobby Pin

I got the idea from a Japanese beading magazine I was reading. It was intended to be a pendant of a full length necklace so I made a few adjustments to make sure it'll fit a bobby pin.

The same may also be used as a design piece for a bracelet or hairband.

Tutorial : Beaded Hair Cuff (Wire Wrap)

Finally, my hair twisting paid-off. I made hair cuffs with it. You can use the same technique in making earrings and bangles... :). 

For hair cuffs, the bigger your beads are, the better particularly if you have thick hair like mine. But for the demo, I used rice pearls.