Nailed It!

Nail art done professionally can get pretty expensive. I discovered a few tips and tricks to cut your costs on those luxurious nail-painting appointments. All you need is resourcefulness, dexterity (which I don't have yet, but I'm working on it), and creativity. :)

1. If you have old, unfinished nail polish bottles lying around the house, don't lose hope yet. You can bring them back to life with the help of solvent. You can buy a bottle of this substance in Watson's or any other department store or supermarket. I use the Caronia brand. What it basically does is it thins out clumped polishes and helps remove other nail implements. Just pour a minute drop or two into your nail polish bottle, close the cap, and shake the bottle to submission. Please don't sniff it as the smell can get addictive. (Php 31.50) 
2. Invest in a great base and top coat polish. Well, you don't really have to sell your organs to afford one. Caronia has a good top coat (Php 44.25) that's widely available, plus, it's fast-dry too! For my base coat, I rely on Etude House -- a bottle cost me around Php 48. I also use this kwik-dry thing that I put on my cuticles after I finished painting my nails to help the polish dry faster. Saw this technique whenever I went in for professional manicures and pedicures. Mine's from Bobbie. Again, these are department store/supermarket/drug store brands. Easy accessibility. :)
3. There are a wide variety of options for nail art stuff. You can go with decals, stickers, stick-on jewels, fimo sticks, artificial nails, nail art pens and tools, and so much more! Jazz up your digits in more ways than one! The price range varies from 10 pesos to infinity! Hehe. It really depends on what you're more comfortable using. If you're a DIY nail art newbie like me, I suggest you start off with nail stickers, as they can be the easiest ones to apply/use. Watsons shelves have them. You can also check out your nearest Hortaleza branch. They're available online as well. (If you know where else to get them, please comment down below, thanks!) Just search for them on Multiply. :) For how-to tutorials, please check out Youtube, as many nail art gurus posted helpful videos on the matter. I've been dying to try the ombre and this marble thing I saw on Youtube once -- maybe not now. Perhaps when I've gained much confidence and when my crabby hands decide to hold steady long enough for me to finish an entire hand.
4. Invest in a really good mani/pedi set and DIY mani-pedi yourself, or have your nails cleaned and buffed professionally, if you're more comfortable with that. Usually, cleaning, shaping, and buffing (without the polish/nail art) cost less. You can work on the nail art design at home. Tutorials on how to do your own nails are all over Youtube as well.
5. Fear not! The first couple of tries won't be perfect (check out my crappy right hand nail art -- or something like it), but over time, you'll get the hang of it and you'll be more comfortable with doing it yourself. It really takes a lot of dexterity to get the design dead-on. Start with simple designs, such as this French Tip-esque neon orange style. I just added on a few floral nail stickers to make things more interesting. I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Not bad for a first-timer, eh? :)
6. Look for nail art inspirations online. Tumblr and Pinterest can help narrow down your search, but then again, there's always Google to rely on in times of need.
7. Just go for it! It will take a lot of patience, practice, and polish to get you going on this DIY nail art business. :)) I'm only beginning to reap the benefits of DIY nail art because at the end of the day, I can do whatever I want with my nails and I don't have to spend a fortune while I'm at it! Plus, they look really cute and different! I hope to try out more techniques really soon. :)

Left hand
Used an old bottle of neon orange nail polish and some nail stickers.

Crappy right hand here. :)) sorry. Not ambidextrous!

Got these cute nail stickers from Pacita Complex (a market place a town away) today. Each sheet costs Php 10. Can you believe it?!

These ones are from Watsons. Got them the other day for Php 15 per sheet. I have them on my nails right now. :)

Hope these tips help! Feel free to post your DIY nail art projects on She Goes Thrifty's Facebook page. Share with me and everyone else your masterpiece. Let's get inspired together! :)

Love,

SGT <3

Batik Interlude

It's the second day of the week and I am already feeling the pressure! But I'm not complaining because I always remind myself that I'm blessed, and not stressed! ;)

So today, I was out and about in the city for my training. As I was telling you guys and girls, I landed a part-time gig. Okay, so it's a teaching post. That's all I'm gonna say. Can you imagine me as a teacher?! I can barely keep a straight face whenever I think about it, but it has to be done. I have to do my best at it because that's what I try to always do. 

I was given a set of modules to study, as well as sample Powerpoint lectures that I can pattern my lessons after. I'm still quite overwhelmed by how fast everything is going but I'm very much excited to start teaching! My demo is on Monday and I'm feeling quite nervous. I have a lot of studying to do!

I was also at my mom's office and in Robinson's Galleria (as I always am). The training ended earlier than expected so I had time to spare for a lunch date with my mom and time to do some errands on my own. I really tried my best to resist shopping but I ended up with a big bottle of cologne from Bench that I really love. I'm really into clean, fresh-out-of-the-shower scents! Teehee. Plus, I'm running out of cologne! Sometimes body sprays or perfumes are way too much, especially during erratic weather! 

Okay, enough of the rambling, here's my chosen outfit for the day:

P.S. I tinkered with Photoshop a little bit, tried to post-process and whatnot. The pictures came out different and I kind of like their cool, eccentric edge. They look so vintage. Shout-out to my mom who took these photos! <3

Dress: Custom-made
Shoes: MSE
Accessories: from Quiapo
Watch: Swiss Army

Pa-cute much? :P

I officially have the world's weirdest eyes.
Why am I banlag in this shot? T_____T

I fell in love with the print on this fabric! It screams ethnic and it
represents the heart and soul of Zamboanga culture. :)

Here's a practical tip (also, this is the story behind this dress): if you happen to see a fabric that you like, for example, you happen to visit Zamboanga and you went to shopper-happy with the batik, you can look for inspirations online and have your seamstress copy the design of your desired dress/top/pants/shorts/skirt for you. It will definitely help you save up! The production of this particular dress cost me around Php 300 (including the fabric). Had I bought it from Forever 21, this prolly would've cut me back Php 1000 or more! You can also check out the nearest fabric warehouse for one-of-a-kind fabrics that will surely produce a one-of-a-kind dress for so much less! ;)

Check out the criss-cross detail in the back!
The front is super modest and proper, but the back is where the action is!
A dress from the Forever 21 website inspired this style.

I just pulled these accessories from my display wall.
The red bracelets add the element of surprise
to the entire palette of this outfit.

Woops, bra is showing. :| Sorry about that. :P

All sun and smiles today! :)
I toned down the entire look with toffee-colored flats to let the
loud print of the dress speak for itself.

These shoes give me paltos despite its really soft material.
I've worn this pair thrice already and I still end up with
battle scars. :(

Here's to showcasing the beautiful colors of the Philippines! I love batik and I'm going back to Zamboanga (my father's hometown) for all that and more! Oh, before I go on daydreaming about beautiful things, please remind me to prepare for my teaching demo on Monday? :P

Love,

SGT <3

SGT Online Closet Sale is NOW OPEN!

Finally! The day of the sale has arrived! Please check out She Goes Thrifty on Facebook for more goodies and surprises! The shopping guidelines have also been posted. :)

Please support this online closet sale. These pre-loved items need new and loving homes. Most of them have only been used once or twice, while others have never been worn yet at all. 

This is just a preview of some of the items that are up for grabs.

Prices are negotiable for purchases of 3 items and up.

See you and happy shopping!

Love,

SGT <3

Floral Formal

Today, I had one of my long-time dreams realized... I got a new digital camera - a new Sony S5000 in yup, you guessed it, PINK! I'll post pictures soon... hopefully. ;)

Met up with Mom in Galle then we went to Greenhills to have lunch at House of Minis (I broke my vegetarian spell, I'm sorry!), an old family fave. Their steaks are to-die-for! (bad pun not intended, sorry animals!)

Anyway, I'll just be leaving y'all hanging today with an outfit post-slash-photo-journal of today's events. :) (photos were taken with/by Bunny; outfit photos were taken by my momma)

Me and my momma. See the resemblance? :)

Mom and her boss, Tita Beth.

Manly legs, anyone?

Feelin' a little flirty and floral than usual. :)

This necklace reminds me of a waterfall. :)

I'm not a big fan of the color blue, but these earrings are too cute to resist!

Interesting lace design on the collar.
Thrift store finds are full of surprises.
No two pieces are the same and that's what I love about it.

The skirt was loud enough. I toned down my makeup for today. :)

Browsing catalogs while waiting for 5 o'clock!

That's me alright. Barely-there makeup. Thanks to Etude House's Bling Bling Eye Stick.
Check out my previous review on it HERE

Still got that 80's fever!
Shoulder pads add structure and volume to this top.

Top, thrifted. Skirt, Landmark (Php179). Faux snakeskin sandals, Parisian.
Accessories, from Quiapo.

Check out the interesting detail of the skirt. It has a collar!
Don't you just love the cheery print?

This is what you call "Like a boss."
Haha!
Been practicing on wearing office clothes for my work in  Myanmar!

Can barely keep a straight face. :))

At 55, my mom is still as youthful as ever!

How was your Tuesday? :)

Love,

SGT <3

Tea Tree Oil - Pimple Control

Okay, so I tried making a tutorial video for y'all. Please be gentle. Ha ha! It's my first one and it's not exactly of the best quality since I used my phone for recording and I'm not exactly Quentin Tarantino, so please bear with me.

Anyway, I noticed that my pimples are starting to manifest since my period is just around the corner. I know some of you can relate to such a crappy PMS moment. Others have regular or for the luckier ones, very rare episodes. In any case, this video will (hopefully) help you get rid of those zits fast sans the harmful chemicals and the hefty price tag.

I give you, Tea Tree Oil! It has soooo many benefits and pimple-control is only one of them. You can also use it for dandruff, wounds, etc. Just Google its uses and you're set. Anyway, this video probably says it all.

Products Used:

Zen Zest Tea Tree Oil (Php 150/15mL bottle)

Human Nature Organic Aloe Vera and Guava Facial Wash

Pond's Acne Expert Pore Conditioning Toner

Cotton bud

Steps:

1. Cleanse your face with a facial wash that is especially for pimple control or for troubled skin.

2. Toner is optional at this point.

3. Put a few drops of the tea tree oil on the swab and dab away.

Sorry if the video's too short or too quick. I'm really camera-shy. Heehee. Anyway, tea tree oil really helps get rid of those nasty pimples before they even start wrecking havoc on your precious face. Remember, don't go poppin' them 'cause it will only make things worse. Just dab on tea tree oil and keep your face clean at all times. Here's to a more flawless you! :)

Love,

SGT <3

Your Skin Smiles with Sunscreen

Summer is manifesting, rearing its hot and humid temperature and climate. With global warming and climate change meddling with the hotter-than-ever weather conditions and making it worse and all the more unbearable, we suffer... our skin suffers. So, with the sun on extra-strength mode, us girls need to take sun protection to a whole new level. I don't really like stepping out in broad daylight, particularly in the afternoon, as it is the most harmful for the skin. To give our precious skin (the largest organ in the human body) some much needed TLC when we're out and about, there is a wide range of options for sunscreen and/or sunblock.

It not only protects your skin from harmful radiation from the sun, it also helps lessen the chances of developing skin cancer. Now, you're probably thinking, isn't sunblock just for the beach? The answer is NO. It's important to slather on some sunscreen or sunblock whether you're stepping out into the sun or staying indoors at the office. Sunblock is not exactly affordable. Price range goes around Php 300 and up. However, is when your health and safety are at stake, it's best not to skimp out on this bare necessity.

I've been on the look out for a good multipurpose sunscreen and I think I found one in Myra Daily Sun Protect Facial Moisturizer. It's actually just for the face, but it's the face that gets most exposure to the sun so it's a good investment. You may want to check out other sunblock products for the rest of your body. I'll try to work on that next. ;)

Anyway, this sunblock doubles as a sunscreen and a facial moisturizer. After cleansing the face and using toner, I slough about a pea-size amount of this onto my face, then my pore minimizing gel and primer go on top of it. Even if I just stay indoors, I still use it because I'm in front of the computer a lot and that gives off a lot of radiation too.

An entire tube cost me a little over Php 100 (I forgot). For a two-in-one product, that's a pretty good deal, yeah?

It says on the packaging that it's gentle for everyday use. It has double sunscreen protection against UVA and UVB rays (I'll leave the research up to you), has SPF 15, enriched with Vitamin E and moisturizers, and is dermatologist-tested.

What I like about this moisturizer-slash-sunscreen is that it's creamy but not thick like the typical sunblock. It still has that white streak when you first put it on but your skin will eventually absorb it, just make sure to spread it evenly across your face. It packs just enough moisture for my combination skin, which can get dry and patchy in some areas, but doesn't get too oily. It also doesn't clog my pores or cause them to go into overdrive. I don't break out from using this moisturizer/sunscreen too. Putting makeup afterwards is no problem. It doesn't react with my foundation or anything else. It just stays there.

On the other hand, what I dislike about this is that its SPF is too low. If I intend to go out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time, I'm gonna need something stronger. If I'm not mistaken, SPF 30 is ideal. Don't even think about putting it on twice, because the SPF won't double. Ha ha! Kidding aside, if you're looking for an in-the-meantime sunscreen, this one is pretty cheap and a good kind to try. Again, it's only for the face so you're gonna have to buy a separate one for your arms and the rest of your body - that can be a con since you're going to spend more.

What other sunscreen products do you like? If you know of any good sunscreen and/or sunblock products, do let me know so I can give a try and recommend it to our other friends as well. ;)

Love,

SGT <3

Books on a Budget!

I've been giving you tips on how to save up on fashion and beauty, but there are so much more I haven't shared! One of those things I would love to tell you about is books! I love books! Ever since I was a little girl, I would always have one in my hands. My folks would always catch me reading just about anything, from pamphlets they give out at the grocery store, to grocery lists, to magazines, and yes, to books! I was blessed to have parents who supported my vice for literature at such an early age. I would read my fairy tales at night religiously. I was very eager to take down notes in class and read them again at home. While other kids preferred hitting the dirt and playing as soon as they get home, I would curl up inside my room with a new read.  My folks bought lots of books - almanacs, encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc. And I would look forward to reading all of them! That love for literature is something that I carried on to my adulthood. I can skimp out on fancy clothes and shoes but books are definitely on top of my list. Whenever I go to the mall, I cannot NOT visit the bookstore and browse through racks and racks of books. Even if I'm not going to buy one, just seeing them makes me happy. Of course I'd be happier if I get to take home at least one!

Now, I know some of you are thinking that books are expensive. They are! That is if you go for newly-produced ones. Of course they'll cost you. But there are alternatives to these mainstream bookstores. Second-hand bookstores are everywhere. They offer a wide selection of pre-loved books, ranging from a vast variety of topics. The good thing about these ukay book shops is that they sell books for waaaay less than what they would cost in say, Powerbooks or National Bookstore, or Fully Booked. That's because their copies are already in mint condition, but still very much readable nevertheless. 

You can find second-hand books just about anywhere. When I stayed in my aunt's condo in QC, I would go across the street to this American surplus haven in Sct. Borromeo cor. EDSA. They have books there too! 

You just need a whole lot of patience and faith that you'll come across something amazing in your treasure hunt. Keep an open mind and you'll be surprised with how much you'll save on books and on the kinds you'll be able to take home! 

I also tried book swaps. There's a guy in UPLB who sells his entire collection of books for about 30 to 80 pesos per title because he's migrating to another country and he has no place in his luggage to carry his massive collection. Ask your friends if you can do book swaps. That way, you can save up on buying new books and you can get rid of old ones which you're probably sick of reading anyway. Remember: Someone's garbage may be someone else's treasure. :)

If you don't have time to scour the streets of Metro Manila for surplus shops, perhaps you have a Booksale in your nearby town mall or you happen to pass by one on your way home, don't be afraid to check it out. They have really good titles and even better prices! Check out some of the books I got from my ukay book shopping adventures!

This is my most recent find! I got it for 55 pesos only! Can you believe it?
It's a collection of classic tales from the Brothers Grimm!

This one I got from the guy I was telling you about.
"The Great Gatsby" is such a classic. I got this for 50 pesos, I think.

Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get this book, "Star Girl" by Jerry Spinelli.
Been looking for this book forever.

One Hundred and One Famous Poems.
This one I got from the surplus shop I mentioned, in Quezon City.
It cost me 80 pesos. It's packed with classic poetry!

I'll make sure to keep you posted on my future finds! Tell me all about yours, yeah?

Love,

SGT <3

Fleurs en Violet et Gris

Sorry I've been really lazy about updating She Goes Thrifty! I promise to come back with a vengeance. I'm just on the lookout for the next topic of discussion... Or maybe I'm just too lazy to do anything. Anyway, I've been preoccupied with studying for my job... so that pretty much keeps me busy right now. But not to worry, She Goes Thrifty will not be gone for good. I will try to come up with a really good post so all the wait will be worth it. ;)

In other news, I'm watching Sipat Lawin Ensemble's "Battalia Royale" tomorrow with a former classmate from Tanghalang Pilipino. Expect to see a photo-blog of what will go down during the play, possibly an outfit post, and definitely my thoughts on the performance. Can't wait!

Anyway, for now, here's an outfit post. This one's taken yesterday at Paseo, here in Santa Rosa. We dropped by Honda and went straight to the nearby pasyalan to scour the bookstore racks (yes, I'm such a nerd) and to have lunch with my mom. I think I slept too late and woke up way too early. This explains my sleepy vibe. Soooo, this dress, I got for Php 80 during one of my vintage-shopping sprees. I love that it's super comfortable and laid-back, yet it gives me a girly feel without the pressure. I paired it with my silver Crocs, a Php 50 belt, a bag from Zamboanga (in batik print | sorry, you can't see the bag in this picture), and a couple more silver accents. Hope you like it! :)

Yeah, yeah. I've been gaining weight.
This is what I get for not really doing much (except for studying) at home.
Gotta get back on that yoga mat... and SOON!

Thank you, Mom! She was kind enough to take my picture.

We were window-shopping in Paseo. So many pretty things, so little money!

And so little desire to splurge!

Quite frankly, I'd rather go vintage-shopping than splurge on a piece of clothing with the thinnest material. I can probably find better ones for way less. I'm such a cheapskate! Ha ha! But no, I'd rather think of myself as being "practical" and "money-savvy." I'm not saying that rewarding yourself with nice things once in a while is bad, it's actually the opposite! So, the next time you feel the itch to shop, but don't really NEED a new ensemble for like a special occasion or something, try a little ukay. Remember my ukay shopping tips? Check it out HERE.

Love,

SGT <3

Haring Lear | Tribal Odyssey

What to do on a Saturday? Well for theater geeks like me and my friend Rash, Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) "Haring Lear" was the place to be. I miss theater so much and I've missed a lot of shows over the past few months. I don't think I can forgive myself if I missed this one! It's directed by Nonon Padilla and translated by National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera. It's an original play from William Shakespeare. 

I'll make sure to write all about the play, perhaps tomorrow, when I'm in a better state, but for now, I'll give you an outfit post, featuring of course dirt-cheap pieces that (hopefully) do not look like they cost. Enjoy! :)

The cast of "Haring Lear" at the super-short meet-and-greet

We weren't able to take pictures with the cast because people just rushed to them!

Meet Rash!

K. Blurred.

Top costs Php 50 (a little over $1) from Quiapo, Pants were a gift from Mom (so it's technically FREE!), Tawny boots from Lower East Side (Php1200 / around $30), Bag from Sophie Signatures

Photos taken by Rash Caritativo. Check out her blog HERE - She's a really talented photographer-in-the-making! 

I love my accessories because I have a cross necklace and a snake bangle that wraps around beautifully in my wrist. Sorry if they're not too visible. Wasn't able to take close-up pictures for better reference. Teehee! This is my take on the tribal pattern trend. I wore minimal accessories because I wanted the print to speak for itself. And of course, knowing that I have to walk great distances to get to PETA, I wore boots that were truly made for walking!

 With National Artist for Literature, Bienvenido Lumbera. He translated William Shakespeare's "King Lear" into Filipino. I adore his writing. I said this on Facebook already but just in case we're not friends there, here's what I had to say: "Shakespeare in Filipino, translated by no other than a National Artist for Literature, nonetheless... I have never heard such wonderful words until tonight. It was the perfect marriage of poetry and prose rolling off the actors' tongues. Thank you, Haring Lear. Another great product from Peta Tapets! Mabuhay ang teatro! :)"

How did you spend your weekend? What is your take on the tribal print trend? :)

Love,

SGT <3