by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 24, 2018 | Fashion
MANILA, Philippines – There is no denying the talents of Shaira Luna. From an early age, she graced our TV screens as a “gifted child”. Her passion for learning set her apart and would eventually lead her to forge her own career as one of the most prominent photographers in the country. This July, the thirty-one-year-old takes her place as Melissa’s Style Maven.
#MeInMelissa is the latest campaign in the Philippines from the Brazilian footwear icon, Melissa Shoes. This fresh and empowering digital campaign will showcase pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, Open Vibes. Luna shares her talent as the campaign’s official photographer.

Shaira Luna, gifted child

“I really love that Melissa shoes are comfortable and squishy”, shares Shaira Luna, chuckling. “Sometimes I take for granted how important footwear is, especially for someone like me who’s on my feet for most of the day. Eventually, I found my way to shoes that fit the bill of being both stylish and comfortable.”
At the age of thirteen, Luna found herself at De La Salle University, undergoing a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. After switching courses for some time,
Luna purchased her first professional camera, a Canon EOS 350D. The camera enabled her to flex her creative muscles and would eventually inspire her to pursue a professional career in photography.
In the decade since Shaira Luna gradually developed herself to become one of the most prolific young photographers in the country. Luna regularly works with high-profile brands and influential names from the world of art and entertainment.
“Behind the camera, especially when shooting for someone else, I make sure I understand their vision and I understand the output that they need from me”, Luna begins. “I just try to make it work for everyone and keep communication open.”
This level of professionalism extends itself to moments that require Luna to stand in front of the camera.
“When I’m in front of the camera, I try to take the place of the photographer,” Luna adds. “I try to imagine what they need from the shoot and I try to move as quickly as possible. I find it is over much faster if I get what they need, so I tend to move a lot in front of the camera even if it’s awkward for me.”
As a fashion photographer, Luna is well-regarded for her personal sense of style. Self-described as an “ever-evolving” aesthetic, she draws her inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today.
“I love Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine) so much! I really love her style and her music,” Luna shares. “I also like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. I’m very much inspired by icons of the ‘70’s. I’m not sure why. Maybe someday I’ll find out.”
Even then, Luna is quick to admit that a lot of her style inspiration comes from the research she does prior to a shoot.
“In general, I’m very much into the history of fashion and that translates into my style and the people I admire as well,” Luna adds. “I think the reason I got into studying eras of fashion was because of my shoots. So, whenever I have a shoot that’s inspired by a particular period, I find myself going even deeper into what happened during that time, especially the things they wore and why they wore the things they did.”
If there is anything Shaira Luna can share, it’s her love for rediscovering the past through pieces of clothing. “If you just use your imagination, you can try to rework the stuff you already have. Perhaps you can use stuff from your parents and grandparents. You end up with something more unique, something not cookie-cutter. Just something more fun that will put a smile on your face.”
Shaira Luna is an old soul who has built her name by turning her dreams into a successful career. This is reflected in both her personal style and her approach to her work. This bubbly, determined, and highly-focused individual has all the qualities that make her the perfect fit as Melissa’s first Style Maven.
About Melissa
Melissa is an iconic global footwear brand from Brazil. Established in 1979, Melissa is highly regarded for its long-lasting and avant-garde designs and collaborations with a number of high-profile names from the world of art and fashion.
From sexy stilettos to fabulous flats, Melissa shoes have brought fashion and comfort to new heights. Melissa brings the future of fashion to the world.
- Instagram: melissaphilippines
- Facebook: MelissaPhilippines
- Website:melissaphilippines.com
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 14, 2018 | Health and Wellness
SM Woman understands that women come in all shapes and sizes. Fashion has evolved so much that now even models come in size zero to plus size. Women are no longer constrained to fashion’s rules because they are as diverse as their talent and skills. Women are now more free to express themselves and proudly wear whatever they please.
SM Woman Plus makes a fashion statement for every woman to be able to embrace and love their bodies. Offering maximal impact for those looking to add a punch to their wardrobes, SM Woman selected three confident, beautiful, fun, and passionate women who aren’t afraid of powering through the sartorial norm.

Singers Radha, Frenchie Dy, and Bituin Escalante
Radha looks chic and casual in a red top and jeans from SM Woman.
Frenchie Dy is ready for that date with her special someone or maybe a night out with the girls in her little red dress from SM Woman.
Bituin Escalante looking fierce and ready to take on the world in this black long sleeved dress from SM Woman that is sure to close the deal.
Flaunting the most trend-driven and size-inclusive designs yet, tune into a state of body positivity with Radha, Frenchie Dy, and Bituin Escalante as they dominate the airwaves while donning chic designs that satisfy every wardrobe want.
For more information:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 27, 2017 | Lifestyle
We all love a good pair of denim. It is stylish and versatile, a great match for practically any top. And now, this favorite fashion staple literally becomes more dynamic as SM Woman introduces its newest denim collection designed for comfort, movement, shapewear, and style.
Every woman – no matter what age, body type, and lifestyle – will surely find the perfect fit from the SM Woman denim collection
The Denim Style Guide

SM Woman’s Denim Style Guide #denimforeverywoman
Athleisure
Your pair of SM Woman Hyperform denim is so flexible that you can wear it to the office and to your work-out after. Go smart office casual with it in a white tank top and blazer then switch it up in just the tank top as you make a quick session at the gym, for yoga, dancing, or running, after work.
The SM Woman Hyperform denim, which ranges from skinny, relaxed fit to jeggings, allows the body to move naturally or for big-time activities. Its shapewear also flattens the tummy, slims the thighs and contours the backside.
Meanwhile, try the double denim ensemble with the Power Stretch for an ultra stylish daytime to nighttime look. Even if it’s newly washed or newly purchased, you don’t need to break it in as its 4-way stretch allows jeans to snap back in shape wear after wear.
Comfort chic
Who says comfort means sacrificing style? Throw in an oversized shirt with the Cool Smart to save yourself from turning into a puddle of sweat amid the Philippine heat; the Knit Denim for maximum comfort with its soft and luxe feel of knit wear or the Soft Denim which gives the illusion of worn-in denim but with a nice soft feel.
Wonder jeans
Women of various body types can find the perfect pair of jeans in Wonderfit. This super stretch jeans can fit sizes 25-35 as it stretches to fit multiple sizes making it comfortable when worn by a full figure or a slender figure. Its highly elastic fabric content makes it go back to its original size and shape after worn/washed.
Fashion denims
Finally, from stepped hem to raw edges and fringes, to wide leg and extra long cuffs, women can sport the latest denim trends with the Trendy collection.
Whether you’re running errands, working out or having a night out with friends, women of all body types can feel comfortable and confident in denim jeans with SM Woman’s denim for every woman.
Here’s a closer look at SM Woman’s #denimforeverywoman
To know more about SM Woman, visit www.thesmstore.com, their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SMWoman/ and Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/smwoman/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 20, 2017 | Lifestyle

Head over to any SM Store with your shopping buddies on July 21, this Friday, from 5pm to 9pm and enjoy 30% off on regular items on over 50 SM Ladies fashion brands nationwide.
But wait, there’s more!
And while we’re still at it, until July 31, they are giving further reductions of extra 20% off when you buy Any 2 of their sale items of up to 50% off.
So be ready to get your shop on this July at SM Woman, fashion for every woman.
To know more about SM Woman, visit www.thesmstore.com, their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SMWoman/ and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/smwoman/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 30, 2017 | Personal Care Tips
Street fashion has been the go-to style of many because it provides an unlimited room for creativity and self-expression while still ensuring comfort. While there is no hard rule on how street style is done, here are some tips to help you keep your street style edgy. We’ve also included some products on sale to help you update your street style collection at a fraction of the cost.
1. Denim rules
Denim is very flexible and can be matched with almost anything!
Feeling a bit dressy but want to keep your jeans? No problem! Pair it with heels and a blazer and you’re ready for a client meeting. For women, check out Freego’s low rise jeans (P1,199.80) and have it paired with these nice Koko black from Parisian (P899.75).
Demin on Denim? Sure! The rule of thumb is to make sure that your denim is of different wash or shade. For men, the blue indigo denim shirt from Wrangler (P1,359.80) paired with Penshoppe’s light blue skinny ripped jeans (P1,099) would look great!
2. Proportions matter
Be ready to roll up your jeans or wear some oversized shirts or jackets.
Just remember that too much of anything is also not good so be sure to keep your lengths to that which you can still comfortably and confidently wear.
For men, Penshoppe’s long line indigo wash tee (P399) pairs well with Oxygen’s distressed cropped jeans (P499).
For women, experiment on high-waist wide-leg pants (P873.03) with your favorite cropped shirt.
3. Love your sneakers
Almost everything goes well with sneakers! When in doubt, go with a pair of classic white sneakers.
Whether you’re planning on wearing shorts, leggings, a dress or even a nice pair of suit, a pair of white sneakers should do well with them. Check out Keds Chillax off-white sneakers for women (P2,695) and Pony’s white Shooter Low canvass sneakers (P2,590).
4. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Tiny details that complement your get could bring a boring outfit back to life.
An outfit with a plain white shirt would be so much better when paired with the pink backpack from Pilot (P698) or the blue Herschel Reid backpack (P1,458). Casio’s resin strap watch (P849) also adds a playful vibe with its colorful dial.
For men, give your outfit an astig look with a dog tag necklace from Silverworks (P225). And for a multi-purpose watch that you can serve as your everyday watch, check out the classic watch from Timex (P2,640).
5. Be Yourself
Don’t be afraid to show your personality through your look. Be it through colors or accessories, make sure that what you wear represents you. And most importantly, always remember that thinking of what you should wear next should always be a fun activity.
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