Fashion: Delicious Fashion from Chocolate Clothing

Chocolate Clothing Company, the popular one-stop-boutique, has opened up a whole, updated closet full of mouth watering labels from major fashion centers worldwide, and given itself a fresh new look--a modern take on a "romantic boudoir" that is as inviting as any woman's dream closet.



The woman behind Chocolate's makeover is the very stylish and entrepreneurial Finina Tugade, who has happily taken over the reins of the brand from it's founder, the talented Ana Amigo, and is paving the way for Chocolate to re-establish itself as a mini mecca for everything gorgeous and fashionable, with up-to-the-moment labels that are not yet found in the mainstream market for fashionistas with very discerning tastes.

The new Chocolate Clothing Company has gone through careful editing (out with the old and in with the new!) and come up with a strong roster of labels that will appeal to every Chocolate lover. Sass, for the pretty boho, Fate for the sophisticate, Grab for the urban artist, Aztec Rose for the jet setter and Lolitta for the flirtatious, naughty but nice vixen that understands the power of body hugging silhouettes.



Chocolate also has it's own in-house label with fun and easy pieces for casual wear with a lot more jazz. Chocolate is on a continuous hunt for independent labels with a strong following so you can expect that their list of brands will grow, and with Finina Tugade at the helm of this great, retail adventure, you can expect a lot more sweet surprises in store for the future.

Check out the new Chocolate Clothing at Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, The Block, and SM Mall of Asia. I wish I can pay a visit and shop one of these days? Do you? Post your comments below and maybe Santa can hear you! ;)

Winner of Zumba and Curves Promo!

Congratulations to Regz! You win a one month free membership at Curves where you can have a free trial of Zumba :) Good luck on your fitness goals and enjoy grooving off the pounds!



Kindly wait for my email on how to claim your prize. We have more promos on going such as the Red Box Rock, Dine, and Roll Promo. Don't forget to join and become a winner ;)

Go Fickle Winners!

Congratulations Paul for winning the Go Fickle Promo on StyleandRelax.net! :)



Paul Perkin wrote:

I know I'm not a girl but there are no rules that men can't join here, right? =P By looking at those pictures, it made me think and wish that Go Fickle would also do something like that for men =) I find Go Fickle Wedges and Flats very versatile yet funky since it can be used on casual days and on some occasions. I joined and wanted a pair of Go Fickle Wedges because my girl is dying to have one of these and I also wanted to give this to her as a surprise gift on our anniversary.

We have four additional winners who get 25% off on their next Go Fickle Wedges Posh Set purchase:

1. Ava Te
2. Steph Tumampos
3. Sam Sanchez
4. Allison Gutierrez

And all other readers who joined gets 10% off discount until April 2, 2011. This is also the deadline for redemption of prizes.

Fashion: Red Box Rockstars | Ongoing Promo

Ana Gonzales and her sheer rockstar outfit

This promo is ongoing! And here are our first two entries, they will get a chance to win a Red Box Rock, Dine, and Roll packages to enjoy with their friends.



Alex Dizon as Adam Lambert. He believes rockstars hate colors!

1 Grand Winner and 9 Winners more! See promo mechanics here and hope to see all winners rocking, dining, and rolling at Red Box!

Lifestyle Promo: Be a Rockstar at Red Box!

Hi! Everyone, it's been such a busy week and hey it's only Monday! I think we all deserve to rock it out somewhere with family and friends. One venue I frequent for a fun, chic, and delicious affair is Red Box at Greenbelt 3. They just had redesigned every nook and cranny of their place which is obviously not just for high quality karaoke but for delicious food.



Red Box's Interior Design is created by a renowned Australian Interior Designer who is also responsible for creative boutique hotels in Singapore.
If you don't know yet, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Red Box are owned by the same person/group. I didn't know until my last visit and was surprised to be served with CBTL coffee. Paired it with their flan and banana fritters from their buffet (every lunch and dinner), I couldn't care less about singing.



The cute guy is Walden Chu and he owns Red Box as well as CBTL

Aside from having fun, Red Box is also now more condusive for meetings. No more smoking allowed so cleaner air means fresher scent. Rooms are now designed and renovated to become more spacious.

Not to forget, super fast WiFi that lets me do some work (while still having fun). Even my 10 month old feels comfy here. So much room to play in and dance to the music, new top hits to be exact. Red Box is the only Karaoke joint who follows the law on copyrights :) Hence, they get the latest hits first, and with real audio and music video.

NOW I AM SURE YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THIS! Here's how to join:

1. Like the Style and Relax FB Page
2. Like the Red Box FB Page

3. And take a photo of yourself wearing your best rockstar outfit! Email it to styleandrelax@gmail.com with a short description.

There will be TEN winners so tell your barkada to join.

1st Prize: 1 winner (+4 friends) free headcharge with buffet

The remaining 9 winners: 1 free headcharge each!

I am ending the promo on April 15, 2011 because I cannot wait to rock it with my readers! :) There are plenty of prizes to go around so share this contest and be lucky!

Beauty Promo: Winner of Pond's Flawless White Visible Whitening Day Cream

Thank you to everyone who voted and are still voting for us at the Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge! I am giving away another product next week so stay tuned for my 2nd week review :)

Our first week winner is... congratulations to:



Valerie de Guzman!

Email me at styleandrelax(at)gmail.com with your address and you should receive the Pond's product on your doorstep :)

Beauty: Forget Sunblock Lotion? | Beach Hut Sunblock Spray

I was searching for Beach Hut's website and can't believe my eyes when I saw their URL read: http://www.lotionsucks.com/ - brilliant! I remember when I took Ashton to swim for the first time, I was too excited and forget to bring sunblock.

Now I definitely won't and I've armed him and I with modern sun-blockers!



My picks from Beach Hut are the Beach and BEACH HUT MAX SPF 100. The first sun block in the country with 100 SPF protection. Now, you can go the beach and do hundreds of things under the sun without worrying about damaging your skin! Non-messy and non sticky! Both are sweatproof and waterproof and provides up to 99% UVA/UVB protection.



I am not sure if Beach Hut still gives out frisbees, but luckily I got one for Ashton and he's already feeling the summer fun indoors.



We are summer ready! :) Can't wait for the summer day-offs.

Fashion: Havaianas and the Matryoshka Design Principle

My sister Joni and I have always had a thing with Matryoshka dolls (also known as Babushka). When Gucci launched the Babushka laminated bag, older wicked sister had to have it. She did. I am more frugal but I appreciate Russian culture and the Matryoshka paradigm too.



Hence, these Havaianas Slim Matryoshka. oh-ha!

They are equally inspired by the mysterious dolls. But more than the inspiration, I always love Havaianas because I get away with them everytime. The brand is a license to wear tsinelas/ flipflops everywhere and anywhere, don't you think?



I remember in DLSU, we had a rule that you can wear tsinelas as long as they are worth P300 above. Okay don't get my diploma back, that could be one of those urban legends but I always hear it at Gate 2. I could wear these to school everywhere everyday, I have a two year old pair of Havaianas and it's boggling why it still looks brand new.



Lookie at the small Matryoshka doll embellishment, so lovely and cute :) Every girl deserves a pair!



With Russian inspired prints topped with a doll embellishment, the Matryoshka line will have everyone talking.

Mine also came with a real set of Matryoshka doll. FYI, the Matryoshka follows the principle of an onion. Notice how when you peel off the outer layer of an onion, a similar smaller onion is inside. Now you know.



Here is my 10 month old boy playing with the FREE doll <3



And my feet who have not tasted a pedicure for weeks look acceptable with Havaianas.

Get all dolled up this summer! ;)

Fitness: Shake it Up with Zumba at Curves | Free Membership up for Grabs

My sister in OZ was just whining the other day on how Zumba left her with body pains. I was clueless on what she was talking about and I know she is not keen nowadays on fitness (with our busy schedule and kids). But I was wrong!

Zumba was a fitness routine afterall. I got an email from Curves telling me about what Zumba is, thank you so much.


The Zumba® program is a fitness-party™ with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community, either at home or in the gym. Through exhilarating, high calorie-burning fitness classes, Zumba Fitness has helped melt the pounds and inches off more than 10 million Zumba-enthusiasts in 110 countries. Using easy-to-follow moves and exotic, high-energy music, Zumba routines successfully tone and sculpt the body while burning fat.

For a home-based workout like what my sister used, The Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System is available in a four-disc DVD collection featuring Beto, the creator of the Zumba® program and international Zumba celebrities Gina Grant and Tanya Beardsley.

I use to be a fitness disciple and could work out on my own until I hit the gym. Since then, I no longer enjoy being a fitness lone ranger and prefer to be with other enthusiasts. If you are like me then try Zumba at Curves Bonifacio Global City.

Actually I am giving away a FREE ONE MONTH membership at Curves so you can try Zumba (with or without me). All you have to do are:

1. LIKE the StyleandRelax Facebook Page
2. Answer this: Where can you try Zumba and why do you want to try it?

Contest ends on Saturday, March 26 :)

Event: A Techno Life Affair | SM Cyberzone March 24-26

My husband who just bought me an Acer Aspire 4743Z is one of the speakers for Cyberzone's Techno Life Affair happening on Marcg 24-26. He will be speaking about blogging on the 26th to be exact. More than him, I'd go to see Alodia whom I super adore <3



Alodia's sharing her techie hobbies at the event

When/Where: March 24-26, 2011; SM Megamall Event Centre

What: "TechnoLife Affair"; A convention displaying the latest gadgets today, and the hottest personalities in the tech & online scene.

Some Special Features: Gadget Update by Abe Olandres, Blogging101 by Azrael Coladilla, Alodia Meet & Greet with special costume exhibit, as well as special lectures/features by various technology brands.



Speaker of the house, Azrael Coladilla

See you all there! This is an open event and anyone can join for free without the need to register. Are you coming?

Beauty Promo: Time to Vote for us! Team Lace and Earth on Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge

Do you like honest reviews and fearless opinions on all things womanhood? Then you're on our team's side as me and Earth try out if Ponds Flawless White really is the unbeaten whitening cream ever!



Read our first week experience here. You will see a Like button and if you want to be lucky then click it!

I want my readers to experience Ponds Flawless White too, so today until Thursday next week - I am giving away a Pond's Flawless White Visible Whitening Day Cream to a lucky reader. Simply vote for us at the Pond's microsite and leave me a comment about what you think of our first week's review here :)



WIN THIS! I'll have the product delivered to your doorstep and tell me how you like it too!

UPDATE: the URL is now fixed and you can now vote for us again :)

Fashion Promo: Go Fickle Manila Shoes for the Fickle Minded Fashionista | A Pair is up for Grabs!

When it comes to shoes, who wouldn't be fickle minded when we can never have enough to start with? Introducing Go Fickle Shoes, thanks to Go Fickle Manila for shooting me an email.



The Fickle Flats and Fickle Wedges are basically sandals with straps that can be interchanged. To date, there are 17 ways (and counting) on how to tie the straps. Ergo, one can have unlimited pairs of sandals/slippers by just purchasing one pair of Fickle Flats and/or Fickle Wedge, making it a very practical buy.



Also, the in-soles of our Fickle Flats and Fickle Wedges are made of very soft inside foam for maximum comfort.

I want and I am sure you want too! The Fickle Flats and Fickle Wedges come in sets. The Prime Set (Php750 and Php1050, respectively) can be considered as a “starter set” for shoe lovers, as this set consists a pair of Fickle soles and two (2) pairs of Fickle straps, customer’s choice.



The Posh Set (Php1050 and Php1350, respectively), on the other hand, is the “practical set” since the set includes a pair of Fickle soles and six (6) pairs of Fickle straps.

Now who wants a pair of Fickle Flats Prime Set? All you have to do comes in 1,2,3:

1. LIKE the Go Fickle Manila FB Page so you can check out their designs and products including clothes and tote bags.

2. (Shame if you haven't!) but you have to LIKE StyleandRelax.net FB Page too!

3. Comment below why you want a pair of Go Fickle Manila Prime Set and what you're wearing them with :)

Don't forget to sign in your email as you comment so I can reach you should you be the lucky winner. Prize will be delivered to your doorstep (contest for Metro Manila residents only) and you have only until next week (March 28, 5PM) to join!

Beauty: Pond's Flawless White Unbeaten Challenge | Week 1: Lace and Earth

I am asked to join the Ponds Flawless White (PFW) Challenge and try at least one PFW product. And because my face suffers from acne scars and blemishes, my weapon of choice is going to be the Ponds Flawless White day cream.


My bare face after applying PFW for the first time. Note the acne scars and blemishes on the cheek.

I am doing this with my blogger friend Earth, whose "flawless white" progress I will also journal.

Both of us passed the patch skin test which is important if you are to try a new product on your skin. It's been four (4) days since I used the day cream and here is my morning/day regimen.

1. Wash face with medicated soap
2. Toner
3. Ponds Flawless White Visible Lightening Day Cream

From the TV ads of Pond's, my expectations is for the product to lighten my acne scars (as shown above) and minimize appearance of new blemishes. Skin scientists have revealed that Ponds Flawless White visibly lightens skin in 4 weeks and is more effective than more prestigious brands. It has VAO-B3 complex which offers multiple UV protection. I normally use parsol gel as my daily sunblock so I am now replacing it with Pond's for this challenge. Let's wait and see if Pond's is truly unbeaten and if it can beat my skin problems!

First week notes:

1. I like the subtle smell of this day cream, though it is not my first time to use this product (used it in college). Worried if the scent can cause reactions to my sensitive skin.

2. Applying only a thin layer, the product gives an instant matte finish (thanks to its optics system) which made my skin instantly lighter. But of course, truth will come out after washing. Cream is pinkish so I guess it helps give a pinkish white glow?

"Try the effect of the optics system on yourself, on your hand to be exact. Notice how one hand is visibly lighter instantly after applying PFW Visible Lightening Day Cream." - Lace

3. The day cream helps my skin to be less oily throughout the day. I re-apply it when going outdoors because its sunblock component is not that high (hence it's lightweight)and so far, no ill side-effects.


Ashton says "please support my mommy on her quest to flawless skin by leaving your comments"

4. No visible effects so far but I like how this product feels. Wearing it everyday and everywhere. Because it leaves my skin looking brighter (yes its the optic system and not yet the "real" skin deep result) and protects me from the sun, I catch myself playing outdoors even more :)



First week notes:

1. Earth has used all Pond's Flawless White products including the cleanser, serum, eye cream, day cream and night cream, and sunblock. Noted how this controversial blogger is very picky when it comes to skin care, Earth likes the PFW products so far. *whew!*

2. Compared to her usual skincare products, Earth says Pond's Flawless White products are more lightweight.



3. We agree how the day cream visibly and instantly lightens the skin but after washing, the effect is gone.

4. The sunblock is also good according to Earth and effective in keeping her face matte and less shiny.


Both of us hope to see visible effects at least two weeks of using PFW.

Our team will also be up on Pond's Flawless White microsite where you can vote for us and our honest to goodness reviews. I will announce the URL this week. People not blessed with great skin, represent! :)

Fashion: Ensembles Sultry Summer interview with Carmina Villaroel | Muñiz Shoe Designer

Here is the latest one on one interview with Ensembles celebrity endorser and ultra fashionista, Carmina Villaroel. I didn't know she was a shoe designer until that local TV commercial revealed. Carmina has and successfully, blossomed into a fashion icon that can give any model a run for their money.


Carmina models for her own shoe line

Personally, I love her sophisticated, high-fashion, and age-appropriate style. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Ensembles only until Carmina became their endorser.

What was the experience like for your photoshoot for Ensembles Summer 2011 Campaign? Are you enjoying your new tanned look? As always, I had fun during the shoot. I always look forward to our photo shoots. I love working with my dream team- Mark Nicdao, Robbie P. and Pam Quinones. I love what Pam did to me for the summer look. Fab tan!


Ensembles Sultry Summer Collection

Since you have very fair skin, has it been hard to maintain your skin and keep it healthy-looking during summer? Oh yes, I always take good care of my skin and try to have that sun-kissed look but with my skin tone, it can be difficult to maintain a tan. Back in high school, I attempted to get a tan when I went to Boracay but I failed. I just looked like a lobster. My skin turned red and got sun burned.



What are your thoughts on Ensembles Sultry Summer 2011 collection? I’m a big fan of vibrant, bold colors! I love the entire collection. My super fave is the one-shouldered coral dress I wore during our shoot.


What are your personal styles and favorite outfits during summer season? During summer I love wearing shorts, comfy shirts, tank top, sun dress, flowing skirts, sandals and flip flops.


What are your summer plans for this year? Hopefully, to go on vacation with my whole family either here to Cebu or Bohol or travel overseas.


We keep getting good feedbacks on the Muñiz Shoes! How is it working with Ensembles for your Muñiz shoe line? And what was the experience like for you to personally visit each store to arrange the shoe display? I was so thrilled when Ensembles agreed to put my shoes at their store. I was so excited to fix and arrange my shoes. It’s a dream come true for me to see my shoes finally at the mall. I'm thankful to those who bought my shoes already. My Ensembles family was so supportive of my business-Muñiz shoes. I appreciate all the help they have provided.


Do you plan to make your shoes available to more Ensembles stores? Yes. I will definitely make Muñiz shoes available to other Ensembles stores. Due to a lot of requests, we will also showcase them at Robinson’s Ermita and SM Megamall.

Promo: What would your Giordano shirt say? | Giordano Typography Tee Design Contest

For some time I thought statement tees will be a thing of the past, but more and more people want to "wear what they think" and so statement tees are still everywhere. What would your shirt say?



Giordano: World Without Strangers

Giordano is currently holding another typography tee design contest and up for grabs are up to P30,000 cash and gift certificates! The theme for this year is "World Without Strangers". Timely indeed if you ask me.



8 semi-finalists will be selected, I want to join but don't know what to say yet. The migraine boy in me wants to say something sarcastic but that's the least the world needs today :) Oh wait, I have one:


Whoever copies my mock design above will never find true love! :P So go ahead and make your own using Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Freehand format.

Read on below for the full mechanics including where to send your entries *click*

Fashion: Girly Flats for Summer | What to Wear them With

Summer is the best time to be girly with floral prints and bright sundress, but have you considered flats yet? Give your tootsies a break from wedges because summer means fun care-free fashion. I've took it upon me to give you the latest summer flats in stores now (perfect for summer flirting!):



Penshoppe P599

Pink pinstripe flats to make any feet look slim. Peep toes are sexy if your feet is neat, so make sure you go have a pedicure first :)

Best worn with: a subtle top and denim shorts.



Penshoppe P599

Floral peep toes add an instant romance to any outfit. Match this pair with bright red nail polish (try Revlon's Fire and Ice) and be the summer envy :)

Best worn with: your white sundress and a floral summer hat.



Check out this printed summer hat by  Ted Baker <3

Lastly, if you are on the practical side you can grab this pair of white flats with subtle floral prints. They are more flexible and can be worn easily with any of your summer outfits.



Penshoppe P599

These peep toe summer flats from Penshoppe instantly let you step into girly mode and that's what we love about fashion! :)

P.S. You may now find me (your wicked fashion blogger) on Facebook.

Technology: Tweet, FB, Play, and sometimes Work with Fujitsu MeeGo | Lifebook MH330

Who has heard of MeeGo? Not me because I am not a tech geek. But of course, during the launch of Fujitsu Meego I learnt it was an OS simular to Linux. Meego is open source which meant lower memory consumption unlike Windows 7.



I've experienced Linux based computing through my desperate Asus Eee PC and when I heard that Fujitsu's sleek chic Lifebook MH330 was running on Meego - I am a skeptic. It was love at first sight when I saw the Lifebook's bloody red exterior, all shiny with the Fujitsu logo bling. But my Linux past is coming to surface, all those coding and terminal access. Not to forget, hours of research just to try to install a new device. (Linux programmers, don't kill me - I am just a normal girl without programming know-how.)



Wish you were mine, Fujitsu Lifebook MH330

After all the explanations I just had to try Fujitsu's first MeeGo based netbook. It didn't take more than 10 seconds to boot up and all at once, the Myzone panel offered a quick snapshot of the user’s personal activity and shows instant updates about the happenings in the social media sphere. Popular social network tools, such as twitter and Facebook are readily accessible.

One more babaw (shallow) thing I like about it is it's photobooth and video app that is perfect for blogging and vlogging. You have to take note, the MeeGo netbook is not meant for fulltime computing as in doing actual work with it. To put it simply, it is a secondary computing device if you've got a laptop or a desktop first hand. MeeGo is in between your work computer and your mobile device :)

"The LifeBook MH330 Mini-Notebook is specially created to meet those users who are constantly on the move. By making this exceptionally slim and light, this Mini-Notebook makes it very easy to have a constant travelling companion. At its current size, thinness and weight, you won’t even know that it’s in your bag" - Mr. Edmund Lim, Product Manager, Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific

Asked about the retail price, Fujitsu is hoping for an SRP of not greater than Php 20,000 once it is released here in Manila.



For more prices on the latest laptops including Fujitsu, visit my friends' site http://cgena.com. Here with Chique and Anthony from Cge Na.

Dear Santa, I want a red netbook! *wink*