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High Heels are Dangerous
By Karla Alindanao
This is a fact. High heels are dangerous to your health. According to this site, wearing high heels can:
Shift all your weight onto the ball of the foot, which may lead to bunions, callus, corns, or foot deformity.
Push the centre of mass in the body forwards, causing the spine to bend backwards to compensate. This can lead to back problems.
The calf muscle may shorten and tighten. In fact, wearing high-heels for long periods (more than six months) may cause the calf muscle to become shortened all the time. The body compensates for this
Sounds scary, right? But something even more disturbing, is that a particular article that found a connection between a woman’s choice of shoes and her personality! According to Something in the Way She Moves: The Influence of Shoe-Altered Gait on Motion And Trait Impressions of Women by Kathy D. Walter, Sheila Brownlow, Sammi L. Ervin, and Nicole Williamson:
Because information about traits and characteristics is conveyed by physical motion, the way people walk affects our judgments of others. This study examined how women’s gaits are affected by high heels, and how subsequent impressions of women change based on movement-altering footwear... the gaits of women wearing high heels were stiffer and included less hip sway and arm swing. More importantly, women in heels were perceived as more submissive than when barefoot, although they were also judged as less sexy. Perceived age of the walkers and knowledge of their sex did not alter these perceptions. Thus, high heels make women appear to be physically passive and seem more submissive.
You might also wanna check out Women24.com and Suite101.com for other foot trivia concerns.
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
12 January 2006
Do Unsightly Spider Veins Keep You on the Sidelines? 
BY Karla Alindanao
Clear Vein Crème by Derma E is specially formulated to help reduce the appearance of spider veins and capillary redness, disperse bruises and enhance the healing process ofyour skin. This safe and easy to use topical application is a greaseless, pleasant smelling moisturizing crème. It contains a unique blend of natural agents, including Horse Chestnut (3%), grape skin extract, Witch Hazel Pyconogenol and bilberry.
Horse Chestnut is effective in strengthening blood vessels and helps reduce pain and inflammation. It also decreases capillary fragility. Grape Skin Extract has been known to be effective in helping to protect vascular health. Witch Hazel has long been known as a powerful natural astringent, helping to support vascular stability. Bilberry reduces inflammation, improves circulation and aids in the prevention and treatment of bruising and spider veins. Last but not the least, Pyconogenol, an amazing ingredient obtained from pine bark extract is fifty times more powerful than vitamin E and supports the capillary system in the skin.
Just apply the crème to spider veins and bruises twice a day. Clear Vain Crème can be used under makeup but allow it to dry first. Allow four to six weeks of regular application to see improvement. Derma E products absolutely do not contain mineral oil or lanolin, are propyl-free, paraben-fre, non-comedogenic and are not animal tested.
Clear Vein Crème by Derma E is exclusively available in all Healthy Options branches. For more information, visit www.healthyoptions.com.ph
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
11 January 2006
Makeup for the Made Woman (Part 2)
BY KARLA ALINDANAO
With Elizabeth Arden’s new line, the normally daunting task of achieving a specific look to match Sandra’s casually chic personality won’t even seem the slightest bit difficult — and with her mestiza features and short, cropped hairdo, Gfeller is a breeze to work with. A look that suits many different occasions, its is great for those who always want to have that flawlessly natural and effortless look.
And as Elizabeth Arden’s beauty expert, top makeup artist and beauty columnist, Chechel Joson, works her magic, Sandra’s effortlessly sophisticated yet simple look and beautiful features are instantly emphasized.
To open up and brighten Sandra’s eyes, Chechel applies Sparkle, Aura, Topaz and Umber 08 from the line’s eye shadow collection. As for her cheeks, Peach Sorbet was dusted lightly to give her a natural gentle flush and bring out her cheekbones while Cabana lip color topped off the look to achieve lusciously natural looking lips.
A graduate from Columbia University and a holder of a Master’s degree in Architecture from no less than Harvard University, Anna Sy has created an extensive and impressive resumé for herself and is the perfect picture of the distinguished and polished woman.
After working in the Philippines and in France in similar roles, she worked with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as a designer where she was responsible for design and production of construction documents on such projects as beachfront hotels, corporate offices and amusement parks.
Ana was also involved in numerous large-scale beachfront residences and several branches of an international bank throughout the country and in a plush condominium renovation in New York. At present, she is the Managing Director of CS Design Consultancy in Manila, a company she established with her business partner Jason Chai in 1994.
Anna’s schedule is normally full-packed. “I would describe my typical day as ‘hectic’,” Sy explains. She usually oversees about eight to 10 projects at a time, each with its own demands and schedule, from conceptualization, design and completion. She says that her work comes out best when her clients are open-minded and lets her have a freer rein of things. Anna cites Le Cobusier as one of her inspirations in her designs.
Her fashion preference, like with a lot of accomplished women who are on a tight schedule, is predominantly simple and conservative. But being involved in such impressive and demanding work, she brings out a refined aura to her persona – a definite match to the Distinguished and Polished look of Elizabeth Arden’s exciting new collection.
For Anna, Chechel begins with a light silvery shade across her eyelids. She then applies a fluorescent Moonbeam white across the brow bone and blend in smoky gray into the crease of the lid to add depth and definition. For her cheeks, a deep, defining color – SugarPlum – was used to emphasize her cheeks.
On another angle of the modern woman spectrum, we have Raya Roa-Gonzales. Like hundreds of women today, Raya juggles a career with motherhood. She is currently with the sales group of Globe’s retail and marketing, which she says takes up a lot of her time. With her work and a three-year old daughter to take care of, Raya’s regular routine allows for rare moments when she would work out in the gym or take a trip to he beach.
Raya’s hectic, on-the-go lifestyle reflects her fashion sense. Her taste in clothes usually ranges from simple blacks, to comfortable shorts and jeans, to great splashes of variety. “I don’t like being tied down to a single line or thing,” Raya says. She adds that she has never been idle and believes in the idea that everything changes. Raya’s active personality is a great example for Elizabeth Arden’s Urban Chic look — something that can take you from work to the many other demands on your life.
For Raya, Chechel starts with a lovely green shade over the eyelid, adding a bit of dark brown in the crease of he lid. A buttery Vanilla color is blended over the rest of the eyelid to brighten her eyes. As a final accent, the lower lid is colored with the same green shade used on the eyelid. For her cheeks, a lovely, dusky Sunblush is applied to add a pinkish glow to her whole face.
So, who says you can’t pull off your personal style, have fun, look good and be well thought-of all at the same time? From high profile career women to domestic divas, Elizabeth Arden creatively proves the contrary.
Elizabeth Arden’s Color Intrigue Color Collection is now available in all Rustan’s Department Stores.
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
10 January 2006
Makeup for the Made Woman (Part 1)
BY KARLA ALINDANAO
In today’s times, where just about everyone has a hectic schedule full of important details and impossible-to-ignore responsibilities, it is easy for women to brush off such things as one’s makeup as some kind of tedious chore. That’s right. It seems that today, trying to look your best has become monotonous and irritating.
Elizabeth Arden, herself a woman ahead of her time, reminds us of one thing: makeup is supposed to be fun. But there’s no denying that a woman’s overall appearance, the way she looks and the way she carries herself will always be a reflection of her personality and attitude. But it doesn’t end there. Even makeup plays an essential part in the way she expresses herself. The way a woman’s face is made up should always be in a color palette that she is comfortable with and should always be in sync with her mood, her clothes and her personal style and tastes — a fact that the renowned beauty house of Elizabeth Arden has long acknowledged.
The internationally renowned brand brings back the color, the allure and, more importantly, the joy back in makeup with its new Color Intrigue Eye and Cheek Collection. The new line will not only enable you to bring out your personality and accentuate your features; it will also let you experiment with colors that will suit you — so you won’t have to follow a day-to-day makeup routine.
Elizabeth Arden came up with three distinct looks to suit the modern woman at every occasion – Casual and Chic, Distinguished and Polished and Urban Chic. With new formulas that combine high tech translucent emollients and silicone with real silk, the new line boasts a smooth application and streak-resistant colors, the Color Intrigue Eye and Cheek collection is composed of a smorgasbord of great and refreshing new colors. Each look is unique and very personality-based, so it’s really up to each woman to figure out which of the three looks will suit her lifestyle the best. And with a sleek new packaging, the collection is also vitamin-enriched and offers an anti-oxidant shield, keeping your complexion fresh and dewy while protecting it from environmental stress all day. It is a fascinating new line that will appeal to every woman.
Women like artist Sandra Gfeller, proficient architect Anna Sy, and working mother Raya Roa-Gonzales.
And for Sandra Gfeller, one of the art scenes’ top visual artists, the natural, soft, summery look with light, peachy pink hues are without a doubt perfect for the artists’ simple, no-nonsense yet timeless style and laid back personality. “…But it’s funny, I used to be a stockbroker for three years and managed a restaurant for one before I became a full time artist!” the former finance student recalls with a grin, “But I would always go back to painting whenever I had the time.” Initially, her father discouraged her from taking up Fine Arts thinking that she’d end up hungry with no significant source of income. “But after managing the restaurant, I decided to just do it full-time even if I was a bit scared… It’s just great that my husband is very supportive and so is my dad!” Gfeller says as if relieved to leave the stricter confines of the business world and finally be able to concentrate on her passion.
Casually dressed in a classic cut shirt and basic jeans almost a hundred percent of the time, Gfeller is a genuinely passionate and artistic person who obviously has very minimal frills. “I’m very much of a homebody, except when I’m attending to the kids… I paint everyday,” the artist explains. Inspired by everything from the entire process of living to colors to books and the different personalities she gets to meet, Gfeller is very much a quiet observer. “I really like being simple, dressing simply and blending in with the crowd because I like to observe people and the little details you can see in their faces… It fascinates me.” She muses. “I can say that I like doing portraits... I’m a classic realist.”
To be continued....
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
9 January 2006
How Swell!
BY KARLA ALINDANAO
SWELL
(swel), v., swelled, swol-len or swelled, swell-ling, n., adj. –v.i., v.t. 1. to grow or cause to grow in bulk, as by absorption of fluid. 2. to enlarge excessively or abnormally; protrude. 3. to bulge out as a sail. 4. to increase in amount, degree, intensity, or force. 5. to puff up or become puffed with pride. –n. 6. inflation or distension. 7. a protuberant part. 8. a long and unbroken wave. 9. an increase in amount, degree, intensity or force. 10. a gradual increase in loudness of sound. 11. informal. A fashionably dressed person. –adj. informal. 12. stylish; elegant. 13. first-rate; fine.
(from Random House / Webster’s Dictionary, second edition. 1996)
Around fifteen years ago, when I still considered Archie’s Double Digest (or Betty and Veronica’s double digest for that matter) my real (but not ONLY) source of the written word, the word ‘swell’’ eluded itself from it’s real meaning — to grow in size. So for a few years after my Archie fixation began, I thought the word’s primary meaning was ‘cool’ because I was living in the misinformed and politically incorrect nineties. But now that I’ve immersed myself in cooler clothes and a job in a glossy magazine, I know better. At least, in the fashionable sense of the word — check meaning numbers 11 to 13.
Swell could very well mean designer Puey Quiñones’ fantabulous new collection (for his first one-man couture fashion show) — held last December 2. The text message said: “You are invited to witness SWELL… A collection of works by Puey Quinones showcasing Jul B. Dizon’s exquisite jewelry for holiday ’05 on December 2, Friday at the A. Venue, Makati avenue corner General Luna street. Freixenet champagne starts pouring at 7pm as Café Bola fare is served. Co-presented by Mega Magazine, Koryo Silk and The Ramp at Crossings. Hair by L’Oreal, makeup by Patrick Rosas. Creative direction by 360 degrees.” INTRIGUING.
Apparently, the fashion show took every meaning of the word seriously. The collection was inspired by the couture-like (for the non-fashionphiles: clothes that are too much for mall-sauntering), extravagant fashion of old Europe from centuries back with a modern twist. Starting off with pieces modest (which means not so modest in the fashion industry) in size, the show continued on with each ensemble appearing like the regular couture fashion show, much like the Alliance-sponsored ones.
But because it’s Puey’s show, there was bound to be a twist. After the first round of models paraded the catwalk, the next couple of batches afterwards would come in two’s. This is where Puey comes in and magically transforms each ensemble into a totally different one by manipulating each piece in such a way that it becomes a new kind of garb altogether. For instance, a coat can be turned into funky pants or a top into a skirt.
Basically, each of Puey’s pieces are multi-purpose and are in the wear-in-many-ways category. result was mind-blowing — after all, how can you not notice a seriously original cut (something along the lines of eccentric) in the midst of urban cocktail attire and smart casual outfits (normally meaning jeans and a souped-up top.)
As opposed to traditional trends and forecasts seen on the runway, Quiñones focused on the drama and art of creating a visually arresting show, flaunting his skills as a designer and as an artist — or because of the complexity of his designs, maybe fabric engineer.
The great thing about Puey is that he doesn’t follow trends. When everybody was getting into the tapered and tailored-and-measured-to-fit look, Puey was going exactly the opposite direction — he made reversible panuelo’s (a wear-in-many-ways kind of top), shapeless dresses and humongous heavy coats padded at the back ala-hunchback of Notre Dame.
It may not sound like the typical designer garb but that’s the way fashion ought to work in the first place and being traditional will never get you noticed. Just look at Westwood and Galliano.
So do it the anti-norm way — you can be sure that if you’re going to commission Quiñones to do something for you, it won’t be conventional.
You may get your own Puey Quiñones outfit by calling him in his workshop at 8950596.
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
8 January 2006
JUST BEACHY (PART 2)
BY KARLA ALINDANAO
Neo, The Island Spa (which has been there for a little over a year now) just a couple of hops away from the main dining area of the “Pearl” there’s more reason to book with them, especially if you do need to detoxify and de-stress your tired self. Remember, the beach, especially Boracay, is the best place to lather on the luxe life. Pamper yourself day in and day out if you have to because doing the pampering in Manila is just plain different. And hey, the spa can really do wonders for you because their services are not the ordinary services you would normally find just anywhere else. The benefits are tremendous and will keep you rejuvenated for more than a week.
Although the spa offers traditional massages and other services, Neo is the only Spa that offers reflexology that focuses on repair of organs and body parts — where all reflexologists are trained by George Tay, a licensed master of The Ingham method of reflexology certified by the International Institute of Reflexology, himself.
Reflexogy, in general, is the gentle art of using the hands to apply pressure to specific zones on both hands and feet to relieve stress and redirect energy as the zones are directly linked to other glands, organs and parts of the body. It’s supposed to be a great natural alternative to medicine. And the Ingham method is used primarily for relaxing tension and nervous stress — which doctors agree is linked to 75 percent of most health problems and general ill health. So obviously, most of workaholic Manila could actually use a weekend off at the “Pearl.” Reflexology, at least to first timers, may be excruciatingly painful but bear in mind that it’s the kind of pan that may just prove to be addictive. Why? Because just like the pain of hard massages, the pain from foot reflexology actually makes you feel a whole lot better afterwards, especially if your feet are being massaged surrounded by white sand miles away from the stress your working environment gives you. And it’s common for people to experience different kinds of effects directly after each reflexology session — some may just run off to the bathroom (reflexology helps your body secrete toxins) whereas others may feel the deep desire to doze off.
This November George Tay himself will be in the country for the last of its three weeks alternating reflexology sessions at all three branches of Neo Day Spa — Greenhills, Fort Bonifacio and Boracay. Sessions cost around 1500 a pop (for the services of George Tay himself this month) and 560 to 680 (for other George Tay-trained reflexologists.) It may sound a bit costly to have George but here’s the deal, You can ask him to tell you what’s wrong with your body and he can give you an instant answer once he gets hold of your foot. Sounds mighty interesting right?
So heading to the beach this November may not be such a bad idea. Besides, it’s not a bad thing to know what Boracay looks like when it’s not filled with tourists and nightlife-hungry party people. And definitely, it’s not a bad idea to dwell in some sort of serene and contemplative silence once in a while. You’ll have enough of the noise back in Manila.
For more bookings and reservation, log on to www.pearlofthepacific.com.ph or call 9260162 or 9244480. You can also contact Neo Day Spa at 7256789 (Greenhills), 8158233 (Fort Bonifacio) and Neo, The Island Spa at (036) 5063131.
Comments? Questions? E-mail us at editor@mypad.net
7 January 2006
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