Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy 2008! + The Year of the Maxi Dress



Hey Tin Happy Holidays! So were you able to get a nice pair of winter boots? :) Anyway, I need your opinion about something. I really wanted to wear a maxi dress but I'm short right so what can you suggest? Thanks! - Cathy M.

Happy Holidays too Cathy! And a Happy and Blessed 2008 to everyone!!!

I decided to post Cathy's question because I am sure that a lot of petite girls are asking the same question. I for one asked this myself, as I am a super big fan of maxi dresses, thanks to Uli of Project Runway. So let's just put it this way, I already took the plunge and bought myself a maxi dress for spring/summer. So yup, my answer is definitely YES! Go for it!

Long dresses are supposed to look better on taller girls, as too much fabric can drown us petites. But really, wee ones like us can wear anything as long as the dress looks proportionate to our frame. I would suggest an empire style maxi dress that has an A-line or bias cut. Billowing, flowy styles will definitely overwhelm us.

The great thing about maxi dresses is that unlike short dresses that expose the legs, they may even add extra extra inches! To give us the illusion of height, pair maxi dresses with platforms or wedges. Wear tons of bangles, oversized sunnies, and a fab bag, and you'll look totally scorching this summer, guaranteed!

As proof of how mini girls (heehee) can rock maxi dresses, check out these pics of Nicole Richie and Eva Longoria...





Oh, and another tip, small girl, small prints! ;-)

P.S. No winter boots yet! Boohoo!

(Photo credits: whowhatweardaily.com, osoblog.tv, allwomenstalk.com)

Friday, December 28, 2007

Thanks Shizuka!


My friend Shizuka was so sweet to give me a subscription to Vanity Fair for Christmas! I feel so lucky and blessed to have such thoughtful friends!

Our hubbies were classmates in graduate school and while we only met a couple of months back, we have bonded so well, it's as if we've been friends forever! We especially enjoyed having afternoon tea at Alice's Tea Cup some time ago, we ought to do that again soon!

So thank you Shizuka! You really make my stay here so much fun!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Grocery Shopping with My Baggus


Fed up with the plastic bags that I take home every time I go to the grocery, I have now made it a point to bring my own bags with me not just to the grocery but wherever I go.

I usually do my supplies shopping once every two weeks, and I usually bring home at least 10 plastic bags with each visit. Suffice it to say, I have accumulated a whole lot of plastic bags that it sickens me. I've got a huge Chinese market bag full of all those non-biodegradable junk!

So imagine my pleasure when I did my groceries this week and only used up 3 Baggus!




Not to mention, I got a rebate for bringing my own bags!

Best of all, it folds up nicely that I can store one or a few Baggus in my bag, see...


To make sure that I don't forget to bring my Baggus with me, I hang the Baggu storage sack (which can fit up to 10 Baggus) with my keys so that I can grab a couple before I head out the door!



Baggus are available online through their website. They ship worldwide for $9.

Oh, and great news for those back home who have been looking for Envirosax bags! These bags are now available in the Philippines through Envirosax Philippines' multiply site.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Please Wear Your Seat Belt

I don't mean to put a damper on the holiday spirit, but I would just like to request for heartfelt prayers for the Madarang family, and for you dear readers to please please please WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT.

It's a sad Christmas for those who were not able to celebrate it with their loved ones, and infinitely sadder for families who lose a loved one on Christmas Day. Friends of my sister lost their dad while he was on his way to Manila to spend the holidays with them and their mom. He met a road accident on his way, and while his driver and other companion survived, he unfortunately didn't make it. Both the driver and other passenger survived because they were wearing their seat belts.

I feel terrible for their loss because their dad was a good, noble soldier and a loving father and husband. Being from a military family myself, I know how it is to have your father far away when they he is on assignment, and only seeing him on special occasions such as the holidays. These girls practically grew up not seeing their dad everyday, and now he is gone forever. They are both so young, one is only a freshman in college and the other in high school. Their mom has been very brave watching over them and taking care of them the whole time her husband was away, serving the country. Now she only has herself and her family members around to help raise their girls. They are a sweet and close-knit family and they do not deserve this. It will be very hard to cope with the loss, and Christmas may never be the same for the whole family. Please please please pray for their dad and for them. They need all our prayers.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

The Search Continues...Part III

The following day, I wake up with a cold. Not just any cold - think sneezing coupled with a runny nose! Eeew!

But nothing can stop my search. I was relentless! I call Mick Margo, a quaint boutique in the West Village (19 Commerce Street) stocking labels like Alexander Wang, Crispin & Basilio, Jovovich-Hawk and of course Isabel Marant, and between sniffles ask if they still have the Isabel Marant Avela boots in my size on stock.

"Hmmm, let me check..." the SA puts me on hold. "Oh, yes we still have 3 sizes left...", she says graciously and then she drops the clincher, "I think they may even be on sale! I can check with the owner and I'll call you back as soon as I confirm with her. You can also put it on hold if you like!". Excited, I blabber incoherently, telling her how I've been looking for flat boots everywhere, that I hope it will be on sale, and that I will definitely swing by the store soon. Ugh! What an eager beaver! Now they won't put it on sale because they know how desperate I am!

But whew, what a relief! I decide to take a shower and get dressed. I was going to the store no matter what!

But as soon as I get out of the shower, I realize I forgot to ask what color the boots were!

So I call the store again..."It's a light shade of grey, and it's actually called "Anthracite" the SA tells me cheerfully.

"Uhm, I was actually looking for black boots. Is it a dark kind of grey? Practically black?" I ask almost pleadingly, as if willing her to say "yes".

"Well, it's a light kind of grey..." she responds.

"Do you think I can dye it black?" I ask again.

She explains the kind of the leather used on the boots and says it could work but she wasn't sure entirely. I thank her again and tell her that maybe I'll just see the boots for myself after the holidays.

She thanks me for calling and I put the phone down. And I feel kinda down as well. This was turning out to be such a rollercoaster of emotions!

I sit down on the couch with a plop. My feet feel hot that I decide to take off my moccasins.



As I stare down the floor, it suddenly occurs to me to check out the Minnetonka website! Kate Moss had those black moccasin boots, and hey they were flat and very very comfortable! Hmmm, this one's a viable alternative!



So I check the Minnetonka online store and practically squeal with delight when I see the boots on sale! $69.99! Woohoo! El Cheapo!!!

As soon as Dear Hubby steps inside the house, I excitedly tell him that I finally found my winter boots!

He offers to buy it for me and asks me how they look like, so I point sheepishly to my warm and cozy house slippers.

"Huh! Ganyan?! Manipis yan, hindi yan waterproof!", he shakes his head incredulously.

"Like that pero boots, Kate Moss wears that Hon!" I reason.

"Pag tumalon ba si Kate Moss sa Pasig River tatalon ka rin?" he says now laughing at me!

And with that, I knew the search still wasn't over. Sigh!

(To be continued...)

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Intermission

Monique Lhuillier and Tom Bugbee's home was featured in the January/February 2008 issue of Elle Decor!



For more photos, and to read Turquoise Chic's blow by blow account, click here...

Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Search Continues...Part II

While I was lingering around the Louboutin section, I saw a guy awkwardly holding a pair of heels. I couldn't help but notice because he stuck out like a sore thumb. Turns out he was waiting for the SA who came with a box of shoes and told him that "She can just come and look for me if she needs another size..."

Awww, turns out he was buying it as a gift for someone special! What a sweet boy! Now if only our men are like that huh? Hahaha!

I pulled away from the CLs and figured I might have better luck looking for boots downtown, maybe in SoHo or the West Village. But it was already past 4 and I decided against it because I wanted to wait for Dear Hubby to get off work so we can go home together.

I passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral and thought of dashing inside to say a quick prayer of help, but given that my prayer seemed so petty, it just seemed so shameful of me! Next time then, when I can go inside with kind thoughts in my head and unselfish intentions in my heart...

Tired and now disappointed, I went to Zara to see if they had anything that would remotely resemble the elusive Lanvins. I crouched down on every shoe rack they had and finally found the flat boots on the second floor!

True enough, this style was practically sold out. Great news again for those with size 39 or 40 feet! But bad news for me! Boohoo!

I called Dear Hubby to check up on his progress at work and he said we could meet up outside his office by 5:15. It was almost 5:00 so I made a pit stop to H&M just to see what they had there. But nope, no flat boots there. Zilch! Nada! Zero! Wrong move to start with the posh stores I thought. Now all the shoes here just seem so sub-par, but on an otherwise normal day, they would look pretty ok...

Remotely pleased that I didn't spend anything but very tired from a fruitless excursion, I went to Dear Hubby's office and waited for him outside his building. I was standing there plotting out my downtown itinerary when a girl comes up to me and asks me where MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art) is.

"Just walk straight up and go past Fifth Avenue" I tell her. She says thanks and walks away towards the direction I pointed out, and for a second I get a cheap thrill that people in New York actually ask me for directions! Really! I get that a lot! Maybe I look like a New Yorker now, and not the "bagong salta" that I really am! Hahaha!

I stay outside for a couple of minutes until I couldn't bear the cold anymore and went inside the warm lobby of Dear Hubby's building to wait for him.

Finally he comes down and after kissing me asks if I was able to buy anything today.

"I didn't find anything..." I say sadly.

"Good for you!", he says with a wide smile!

(To be continued...)

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Search Continues...Part I

Yesterday, I decided to brave the cold and pound the pavements of NYC for winter boots. Talking about it wasn't going to bring me anything so I set aside a whole afternoon for this task. I was both excited and nervous, because I didn't know what was in store for me. What if I don't find my size? What if Plans A, B, C, and D don't materialize? Will I ever go home with the prize?

I geared up well, wanting to make sure that trying on boots would be an easy task. I wore black tights under my skinny jeans, the easier to slip the boots on my dear. I left my long wool coat at home and braved the cold with my Alice+Olivia puffer vest to keep my arms light and free.

First stop was Chuckies NYC on the Upper East Side (1073 Third Avenue). I figured, I will have better chances seeing the boots here as not a lot of tourists know about this place. As I crossed Third Avenue, what do I see but sale signs on their display window!

I silently said a prayer and applauded myself for deciding to go here first.

But my celebration proved premature. Sure, the Lanvin boots that I wanted were there, at 30% off no less. But it was in dark brown. Hmmm, I don't mind settling with this one, I compromised. As I gingerly picked the boot up hoping that they had it in my size somewhere in the deep recesses of the stock room, a red sharpie-d note at the bottom of the boot glared back at me - "Last Pair".

Too bad it was a 39! Arrggghhh, talk about counting my eggs before they are hatched!

Disappointed but not dejected, I walked a couple of blocks to Madison Ave., where Barneys was. So ok, the website didn't have it in my size, but who knows, it might be here! As I made my way to the shoe section, what do I see but racks and racks of designer shoes on sale!!! Lanvin, Louboutin, YSL, Blahnik, Miu Miu, Prada, Marni, Martin Margiela, Pierre Hardy, Alaia, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney flats, pumps and high heeled boots at at least 40% off!

I spent half an hour going through the racks, sifting through the line-up and seriously considered foregoing winter boots and just buying a couple of pretty flats instead. I tried a few on (ok, not a few, a lot!) and was just about ready to choose between dove grey Marni or black satin with patent trim Lanvin flats when I remembered I was there for a purpose. So I walked around the non-sale items until lo and behold! The Lanvin section!

The boots were there all right, but were not made of the kind of leather I wanted. One was black patent, one a light caramel shade of brown, the other in black. It could work, but it was paper thin! It was nothing quite like the leather I've seen at Chuckies, nothing close to what it appeared to me on the website. Sure, they were light as feather but with the kind of walking around that I do, these boots might not last this winter. They were $40 cheaper all right ($820 vs. the website's $860), but I'd rather pay extra for more durable leather. That being said, I decided to move on to Bergdorfs where I might have better luck. But not before I passed by the sale section again and spent another couple of minutes debating on whether I should get flats instead. I tell you, it was so hard to walk away from all those good deals!!!

Bergdorf was awash with shoppers going crazy over the designer bags on sale at the ground floor. As I went up the shoe section, it turns out they were on sale as well! This time, I decided to keep my eye on the prize. Sadly, there were no Lanvin boots to be found here.

Of course, I couldn't resist checking out the sale section where I saw tons of Chanel flats at 30% off the ticket price! With my weakness for ballerina flats I again ditched the idea of buying boots, but as I tried one on for size, they just looked so blah to me. Something was off with the shape it seemed. Not at all flat-tering! Pardon the pun!

The discovery of the day however were the Miu Miu Vernice Pop Pumps in Rosso for only $300+! Waaaahhhh!

Again, I rationalized that since these were made of patent leather and covered my feet anyway, I was better off with these instead. But well, they weren't very comfortable. Remembering to check the boots on sale, I did a quick run through but didn't find anything that appealed to my aesthetic. The boots were either too high, too chunky, too embellished or too pointy...I better move on to Saks then!

Apparently, the whole world was on sale. Saks had these exact same Prada sfumatas on sale for about $300, maybe even less...


By this time, I just wanted to find the perfect black boots! I didn't pay attention to the foot candy that were laid out in front of me. But as I wandered past the Louboutin section, I decided to try on some heels.

Now I'm not a heels kind of girl, but I figured I might as well know my size in case I decide to buy online. While some styles pinched my toes, the Simple 85 and the Very Prive pumps were indeed very very comfortable! (This coming from a girl who hardly wears heels!) Getting frustrated, I considered buying CL pumps instead of boots, but with my housewife lifestyle, decided against it as it just seemed silly to buy one at this point in my life...

(to be continued...)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Save Me!

If the Lanvins are not giving me a second chance (talk about the moment passing me by...), then I am seriously hoping that Isabel Marant will save me...




I've actually tried on these Isabel Marant Avela boots at Bird in Brooklyn, but it was a size too big for me. They didn't have it in my size so I really wasn't feeling it at the time. But the leather was soft and slouchy and the boots, if it were the right size, would have been comfy. Now if only I can still find these in my size somewhere out there...

Loeffler Randall Matilde boots are another option, but I'm not too hot about the 1" wedge. I prefer the "heel" to be hidden (as with the Lanvins)or for the boots to be totally flat, but hey this is quite good still. I mean, I considered the LR Emmy D-ring boots previously, and this is way flatter...



I'll be researching on the recommendations of Cathy as well! Hope my search for the perfect black boots will finally come to a fruition! I need to get this out of my head because I've been staring into space for days now! My mind is just full of images of boots - at the pinnacle of which are the Lanvins... So I will be venturing out this afternoon in search of the perfect pair as none of my beloved flats are going to keep my feet warm during these freezing times!



Btw, for shopaholic who is looking for flat boots in Manila, here are the Zara boots that I was talking about in the comments section of my previous post! These are pretty good and are totally sold out here! Maybe these are still available in Manila!



UPDATE: According to Ruby of Schu, the Zara boots are still available, but in limited sizes in Glorietta! Thanks Ruby! Girls, Go! Go! Go! =)

(Photos credits: isabel marant avela boots from impulseseattle.com, loeffler randall matilde from rokandlola.com, zara boots from punky-b.com)

Saturday, December 15, 2007

There's Only One Pair Left In My Size...

And all the while I thought these were sold out!

I've wanted these Lanvins since Fall 2006 and hey, I don't mind being a whole year late! I can forget about the Loefflers no prob, since I really prefer flats over heels...



Now if only I can think of a way to justify the purchase of $860 boots! But nah, this is still way too much. I should just practice extreme self-control...

Think of the hungry...think of how many families this pair of boots can feed...think of those who can't even buy a decent pair of shoes...think of those who only have one pair of shoes...think of those who have no shoes at all...

Friday, December 14, 2007

Dressed to Kill Bill Barong

Thanks to Raissa's EAGLE EYES, look who got spotted wearing the Barong Tagalog!!!



For those who don't recognize him, that's Palme d'Or-winning American film director, producer, actor, and Oscar winning screenwriter Quentin Tarantino!

It's no Pulp Fiction baby! Pure fact! Check out the Golden Globe pics here...

Fashion Features from Life & Style Weekly

Here's a sneak peak of this week's Life & Style "Style List" on newsstands now. (Click on each image to enlarge)

BOOTS TO BOOT — A true Texas girl, Jessica Simpson loves her boots. Rachel Bilson, Selma Blair and Karolina Kurkova show off their favorite pairs along with Jess in this week’s Life & Style. Love the look? Here are some others-from heels to flats- that will get you on your fashionable way.


BUNDLE UP —Baby, it’s cold outside and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice fashion for warmth. Leighton Meester, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lively, Eve, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sarah Jessica Parker all know this and keep their hands toastie warm with a chic pair of gloves. Life & Style finds similar pairs for readers in this week’s Style List.


STARS AND STRIPES —Stripes are a trend that can go so right or so wrong. Carrie Underwood and Hilary Swank’s looks are total hits, while Ashley Tisdale and Shar Jackson’s are total misses. Get it right with these pieces from Life & Style.


BEST BUY —Cameron Diaz knows where it’s at-American Apparel. Life & Style add Tommy Hilfiger and Camille La Vie to the list of best places to shop.

(Courtesy of Freud Communications Inc.)

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Discounts and Deals from Details Magazine

Here are some stylish holiday gift ideas at great discounts for you guys! And to the girls, the men in your life, brought to you by Privileges from Details magazine.


Privileges is a feature of the Details website that offers exclusive deals and discounts on Details endorsed products and services all over the country. Enjoy these Privileges just by visiting the Privileges section of the Details website. Here are the latest updates:

STEVEN ALAN

Sure, New York-based Steven Alan carries Barbour jackets and Earnest Sewn jeans. But the real must-haves are from the store's house line—skinny flannel ties and button-downs that are perfectly tousled and so comfortable you'll want to wear them every day. To find out how to save 15 percent off your entire online order, visit the Privileges section of the Details website.

BRANCH

Though crafted from recycled materials, Branch's furniture and home accessories are a far cry from the Popsicle-stick birdhouse you made in kindergarten. The store employs reusable resources to create high-design products, like cork chaise lounges, vintage-belt floor mats, and Italian wine carafes formed from newly new glass. To find out how to save 10 percent off any of the site's sustainable housewares, visit the Privileges section of the Details website.

HARVEY ELECTRONICS

Harvey Electronics carries the plasmas and LCDs that you'd expect, but it also offers home installations that would make unexpected—and appreciated—gifts. Turn Mom and Dad's humble abode (or, ahem, your lofted studio) into a Cribs-worthy lair with touch panels and drop-down TV mountings. To find out how to get 10 percent off an in-store purchase at one of its nine locations, visit the Privileges section of the Details website.

ZIPPER

Los Angeles-based Zipper makes ordinary items like wine openers and calculators that look like they came from the MoMA, not Kmart. Whether you're shopping for your sister-in-law or your doorman, you'll find sleek home accessories—like lacquered stone votives and stainless-steel tequila servers—that will be met with more than a sideways smile and contrived "thanks." To find out how to save 10 percent on any purchase, visit the Privileges section of the Details website.

(Courtesy of Freud Communications Inc.)

Monday, December 10, 2007

Winter Wishlist

Muffy Eggplant Cashmere Equestrian Cap from Eugenia Kim


Cashmere long-sleeve tees in all colors from J. Crew


Hugh Leather Jacket from Mike& Chris


Mat Opaque 80 Wolford tights in all colors! Hmmm, doesn't hurt to ask for impossibly long legs like the model's too!


Hunter Wellies in Navy...

with fleece welly warmers please!


Loeffler Randall Emmy D-Ring Boots


I've been really good this year! Here's a call out to the Universe! Help me get these please, whether it be through a new career (I know I said I wanted to be a housewife, but I take that back! I'd rather work!) or generous benefactors please please please!!! =)

Photo credits: Eugenia Kim and Hunter wellies from shopbop.com, cashmere tees from jcrew.com, Mike & Chris leather hoodie from singer22.com, tights from wolfordboutique.com, Hunter fleece boot warmers bluedun-outdoor.com, Loeffler Randall boots from rokandlola.com

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Holiday Gift Guide from Life&Style Weekly

Get celeb-inspired by these holiday gift ideas from Life&Style Weekly

Life & Style (dated Dec. 17, on newsstands today) features fantastic holiday finds for everyone—from the glam girl to the celeb junkie, not to mention the jet-setter social butterfly, eco-lover, and fragrance fanatic in your life. Click on each image to enlarge




(Courtesy of Freud Communications Inc.)

Friday, December 07, 2007

Melissa's ONLINE Store!

Great news for Melissa fans and all those who've always wanted a pair...or ten of these fantastic plastics! =)


You can now shop around and order your very own pair of MELISSAs and have them delivered straight to your door, almost anywhere in the Philippines. Yup! Whether you're in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao!


Click HERE to check out the Melissa Online Store now! =)

(Photos courtesy of Melissa Online Store)

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Plueys Now Available at Orange Juice!

Great news from Esel, Em and Fran of BrightCloud Inc, exclusive distributors of Plueys in the Philippines!

You don't have to go to a bazaar to get your hands on a pair of Plueys...Starting this weekend, Plueys will be at ORANGE JUICE SHANGRI-LA and ROCKWELL branches! Make sure to visit and tell everyone you know!



For inquiries or orders, text them at 0917.8175843 or e-mail at plueys.manila@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

What a Coup Coup (Cuckoo)!

I know that this is a fashion blog, but I just can't help but comment about what happened over the long weekend. I just have to say that a certain rebel needs to get a grip and make an honest assessment of the current situation. He is mistaken in the assumption that since 11 million people voted for him, people will take to the streets at his beck and call. He failed to realize that money talks in our country, and not all who voted for him supported his cause. There were people who voted for him because they got paid to do so, plain and simple. I heard from a reliable source that a certain politician bankrolled his campaign!

And if he claims to fight corruption, why won't he expose his mother first? His mother supplied to the Department of National Defense and since he claims that there is massive corruption in military procurement, he ought to know that his mom wouldn't have gotten concessions if she was not involved in corruption herself!

Really, if he cares about our country, he should go and do what good soldiers do, be valiant in battle even if it means there will be no media coverage. To be honest, not everyone in the military is clean, as with any organization. But I believe in my heart that the majority of soldiers in the military are heroes and are willing to die for our country, even without the "benefit" of making it to the front pages of the daily papers. I should know, I have seen it happen time and again. Just visit the military hospitals and you will see there are wounded and dying soldiers there who never made it to the papers, because really, those sort of stories wouldn't sell a paper.

I pity the media who was used as a shield by this coward. I feel sorry for those who just wanted to enjoy a stress free long weekend, as we all have enough personal things to worry about. I suggest that the Manila Pen and all those who were affected by his bratty display of irreverence to justice send him the bill, so next time he will UNDERSTAND that his actions DO have economic repercussions. "There's no loss here...", he was quoted as saying. Yeah right! Tell that to Manila Pen and the others who were inconvenienced by his "tantrum".

Also, if he is serious about staging a coup the next time around, he better forget those comfortable, cushy hotels. If he was a battle-tested, strategic genius in military warfare (which he ain't), he would have known that the first thing that they have to take control of are communication and transportation facilities. Repeat, NOT a HOTEL in Makati. Just a bit of advice from a mere fashion blogger! Duh!

Some people say he is misunderstood. I say he is misguided by a thirst for power.

P.S. I am not a lawyer, but since he walked out of court and staged another farce, isn't that enough evidence that he is indeed capable and guilty of rebellion?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Arts and Crafts

I've always enjoyed sewing. Yeah, even back in grade school when everybody else asked their yayas or lolas to do their sewing projects for them. I also love buying fabrics! I enjoy looking at prints and textures and thinking of the stuff I can make out of it. So I really hated it when my mom would come home with icky looking prints or the wrong fabric for my sewing projects, her excuse being, "It's cheap, you're going to ruin it anyway!". Now how about that for inspiration? Oh which reminds me, one time when I was in first year high school, we were asked to bring fabric for our pajama project, and my mom came home with a cool green and white striped material...in twill! What the? But well, after it was submitted and graded, I cut it off and voila! I had the perfect twill striped shorts for weekends! But girl, they were the stiffest pajamas in history ever!

Anyway, back to my story. I just like working with my hands. I enjoy repairing my dear husband's tattered shirts (he has a tendency to cling on to the rattiest stuff I swear), I even cut and hemmed a pair of slacks he bought that were way too long (saved us at least $20, you know how much people charge here for alterations). So its no wonder I love handmade stuff, be it clothes, bags, shoes or home decor. There's something about the manual labor involved that makes it so alluring. So yeah, machines are efficient, but there's just no soul see?

In this era of commercialization, where everything is mass made and more often than not of flimsy quality, it comes as no surprise that a new movement, let's call them the "handmade posse" or the "crafts cult" if you will, is slowly attracting a community of people who yearn for a time when things were assembled and produced by hand. And if you think that this is just a small community, well you're wrong buster!

Etsy, an "online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade" boasts of a network of 100,000 sellers. And I have to say, I can spend hours just looking at the stuff in there! Therein lies treasures as far as your eyes can see! Sigh! Oh, and everything there just has personality and soul! I loves it! Loves loves loves it!

Reconstructionist's Clover Mini Bloomers


Trixiedelicious's Twisted Breakfast Set


PrincipessaTwinz' Tamago Nigiri and Ebi Nigiri Served with O-Cha Necklace


Redmag's Schrodingers White Cat and...


...The Flying Hilbert Owl


Enna's Matryoshka Wrapping Paper


Charmdesign's Purple Tsubaki - Reversible bag


And we have not yet even skimmed the tip of the iceberg -- I'm warning you!

P.S.
You should check out Jenny Gordy's designs! She has no items on sale in her Etsy shop right now, but just check out her blog to see and appreciate what I'm talking about!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Quotable Quotes

"Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women." - Elsa Schiaparelli

This quote is so funny that it hurts! See, I have observed that fashion girls don't really dress for the guys (uhhm, only the tramps and sluts do?). They dress for each other. Those bags and shoes and clothes more often than not are bought to be seen, admired and acknowledged by "those in the know". Of course, it helps a lot that having all these pretty things can make one giddy and "high", if you know what I mean.

"I like my money right where I can see it - hanging in my closet" - Carrie, SATC

"Funny that a pair of really nice shoes make us feel good in our heads - at the extreme opposite end of our bodies." - Levende Waters

I have heard with admiring submission the experience of the lady who declared that the sense of being perfectly well-dressed gives a feeling of inward tranquility which religion is powerless to bestow. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims

See, fashion girls are a different breed. It is not uncommon for them to surf the net daily to hunt down a "must have", or walk around a mall looking for something that they just have to have. Their daydreams are not entirely about marriage, kids, their career or the future. If you peek into it, you'd see that it's full of thoughts about the soft buttery leather of those flat over-the-knee Sigerson Morrison boots, the perfect shape of those Repetto BB lambskin ballerina flats, if she should get the sunnies first or the bag, how much more she has to save for those Chanel babies waiting for her, where to get the perfect wide leg jeans, and so on...

"Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." - Wilhela Cushman

While often deemed shallow, petty and dumb, they can be very cunning and analytical and can sniff each other out with a simple once over (that's checking out someone from head to toe). Sure they can be catty and say things like "She looks like she tries too hard"...

"I hate hard workers. It must appear to be casual." - Karl Lagerfeld

...but they also have a grudging if not healthy (this applies to the secure ones) respect for those who really know what they are doing.

"Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future." - Coco Chanel

"I have the simplest of tastes. I am always satisfied with the best." - Oscar Wilde

"Elegance is innate. It has nothing to do with being well dressed. Elegance is refusal." - Diana Vreeland

They can also tell when someone has joined the bandwagon too late...and are honestly bothered when everyone starts to look the same.

“So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.” - Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach

Admittedly, my friends and I enjoy discussions about shopping, and sometimes even strategize about our next purchases. For some reason, for us at least, it's therapeutic. It's healthier, compared to how work, money, drugs or alcohol is for others. I mean, we are not that extreme...

“Fashion condemns us to many follies; the greatest is to make ourselves its slave.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

The thing is though, it is easy to fall prey to fashion. Hence the term, "fashion victims". In the greater scheme of things, while clothes make the man, ultimately "you should wear your clothes, and not let them wear you."

“Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind” - Gail Rubin Bereny

"If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies.... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it. " - Albert Einstein

Should you find yourself captivated by each and every trend out there, take a step back and absorb this nugget of wisdom from an ancient "elder" (were talking born 55 AD here. really ancient.), the Greek philosopher Epictetus...

"Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly."

And when you feel the urge to accumulate and amass and store a whole load of stuff, not to mention, pile on the bling, remember...

"Only great minds can afford a simple style." - Stendhal

Now I leave you with this tip that has been proven true, for as long as you have a style sister...

"If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater." - Pam Brown

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Open/Peep Toe Tights

Marni F/W 07 RUNWAY...

to REALITY!


These tights are actually better than leggings as they lengthen the legs. I was shopping around for a pair but thought of just pulling one of my footless tights down past my ankles and it worked just as fine!

That simple act saved me money. Now that's better than fine!

Note that these have nothing to do with stir-ups ok?

(Photos courtesy of style.com and The Sartorialist)

Friday, November 23, 2007

A Clever Gift Idea

Why not buy a ream of A4 paper, then crumple each and every sheet into a ball?

Now you have more than enough to give to your loved ones, and even those you don't really care about this Christmas. Just say it's art work made by you, inspired by Martin Creed...



A sheet of A4 paper crumpled into a ball (Work No. 88), 1995-2007
- Original unlimited edition, individually numbered with signed certificate
- Beautifully boxed, labelled and packaged in shredded paper

The real thing is $200.00. No kidding.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!



Yeah, I know we don't really celebrate Thanksgiving back home (although I know of a few who do, the perfect excuse to bring out the turkey I guess!) but it's hard to ignore it when practically everyone here in the US of A is in Thanksgiving mode. Supermarkets are full of folks doing their last minute shopping (I saw a guy with 5 huge frozen turkeys in his cart -- looks like he's about to feed more than 1 household...or a really hungry household!), practically everyone I know is poised to take advantage of the major Thanksgiving sales on Black Friday, plus the ad for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is consistently being flashed onto our TV screen.

That being said, let me take this as an opportunity thank you all for reading my blog. Thank you for leaving comments and for sharing your thoughts with me! In return, I will continue to think of posts that will interest you and make you happy, as you make me happy! Let this day also remind everyone to be thankful for all the blessings that we have received. Give thanks too for the blessings that are about to come our way!

I know there may be times when we feel as if things do not go the way we planned, or that we never get the things we want (note "want" not "need"! You know what I'm talking about here! Heehee!), but always remember that things happen for a reason, and that there is a time and place for everything. And sometimes, when things get really bad, realize that the important things in life are exactly what we already have.

Now I leave you with some food for thought from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless Us All!

(Photo courtesy of Simplydumb.com)

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The Beautiful Fall



Nope, this is not about the controversial book chronicling Yves Saint Laurent and Kaiser Karl's idiosyncrasies (my take, they're entitled to it! They are design geniuses after all!). Just sharing with you a couple of photos that I have on hand. Fall has left Connecticut and has made its way here. Soon the trees will be bald and it will take a while before the first buds of spring will signal a new season (fashion and foliage-wise)!



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