Friday, May 30, 2008

The Official Filthy Rich Handbook

Social climbers rejoice! Now there's a handbook to help you fake it till you make it! ;)



The paperback edition retails for $11.95 and the hardcover edition is priced at $63. Available now for pre-order at amazon.com!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Style SOS: The Bag of a Lifetime

Hi! May I ask for advice on which designer bag you would recommend to a girl, if she plans to only splurge on 1 designer bag in her lifetime? I know there are so many bags out there, with different price ranges, but assuming you'll put all your eggs in one basket (well, because you aren't all that financially blessed to get more than 1), which one would you recommend? :)

- thw :)


Hi thw! Whew, what a challenging question! I mentioned your dilemma to The Baghag and the first thing she asked was, "What maximum price range are we looking at?" Ahhh, a true baghag indeed! After all, there are a couple of classic designer bags out there that will definitely fit within your maximum allowable spend. But let's assume that we are going for THE bag and you are willing to spend a huge chunk of your nest egg to make it yours, I think it's a no brainer to go for an Hermès bag (Birkin/Kelly/Victoria, etc).

But if you are not willing to take the hit, there's another alternative. Let me whet your appetite by quoting from J.J. Martin's Harpers Bazaar article on Bottega Veneta's creative director Tomas Maier :

"I don't like It bags, and we don't do It bags," he says firmly. "A bag doesn't become important because you put it in an ad campaign or on the arm of a celebrity or because it's the bag of the season and you say there's a waiting list. That's bullshit. It's just marketing. People always talk about these bags being unavailable, and it's total crap."

"The idea of creating either clothing or accessories that are cool now and destined for the back of the closet next year is 'completely contrary to my process', declares Maier. 'I tell a woman that something is good, and then six months later I tell her it's good again.'"

And with that, I strongly suggest that you invest in Bottega Veneta. As the article mentions, Maier's "products for Bottega Veneta are the ultimate understatement in a world of look-at-me luxury goods. With no logos, no unsightly hardware, no gimmicks, and certainly no gadgets, Bottega Veneta products do not whine for attention. Maier, who started at the 42-year-old Italian luxury-goods house in 2001 after working at Hermès, will not put up with a screamer."

Antithesis to the IT bag, these BVs.



Considering that Maier came from the bastion of classic bags, hey, I wouldn't mind "settling" for Bottegas!

Of course, there are more bags to consider beyond Hermès and BV. It really depends on what bag suits your lifestyle and how much you are truly willing to spend. If choosing THE bag is causing a lot of sleepless nights, just remember what MFO reader Emma wisely suggested, "...just don't get the IT bag of the moment because every one will know its old".

(Photo credit: bottegaveneta.com)

Style SOS: The Perfect Boot

Hi!

Sorry this might not be season appropriate, but I need your advice!

I'm here in Australia where it's nearing winter right now, and I need advice on boots. This Manila girl only brought flats and Ed Hardy sneakers, and now my tropical ass and toes are freezing!

Can you please give me advice on how to look for a perfect boot? What things should I look out for? I'm drawn to flats coz I don't think I can pound the Melbourne streets in sky high heeled boots like the Aussies do.

Thanks!

- Z


Thanks for your question too Z! I can so relate to your dilemma! If you've read my own adventure in searching for the perfect winter boots, it can be quite a challenge! But thanks to the generous advice of our readers, not only do we have an idea of where to buy boots in Melbourne, we also got a lead on what sort of flat boots you can consider buying! So thanks ksc, whiffandsip and vanessa for your tips!

To expound further, I will share my criteria in looking for the perfect flat boots! Because I am a flats kind of girl myself! (While I toyed with the idea of heeled boots, I just know that I can never really be comfortable walking around the city in heels! So you're on the right track by zooming in on flat boots considering your lifestyle and capabilities, hehehe!)

1. COLOR

I would start with color. While some people buy boots in different colors, it is best to be practical and buy one pair first and see how well you like wearing boots. Choose a color that goes well with most of your clothes so that you get a lot of mileage out of one pair. If your style is classic, then go for neutrals like black, brown, gray or camel. But if your style is edgy and you want to make a statement, then feel free to be known as the girl in (insert color here) _____ boots. (But by golly, no matter how young, beautiful or fabulous you are, stay away from metallic boots or anything that screams tranny/hooker/noontime TV show dancer/sci-fi/space age flick starlet for the sake of good taste! Kate Moss can rock a flour sack, but she never dared venture out wearing silver/gold/bronze boots!)

2. COMFORT

While flat boots are generally comfortable, there are a couple of flat boots that still hurt like %&@!! So best to not just try on but walk around the store wearing the pair that catches your eye! Consider the fit, material and grip ok!

Fit
Here's a tip from tiso.com.

"When trying on boots (the later in the day the better to mimic the swell that occurs when walking) ensure they fit snugly around the heel and ankle, but leave ample room to wiggle your toes and curl them without restriction. When you first try on your boots don’t worry about a little heel lift of a few millimetres; as the boots break-in and mould to your feet, this will decrease and disappear. A boot which is too large can, if necessary, be adjusted with a thicker sock, volume reducer or footbed, but a boot which is too small will cause blisters and discomfort and can never be made to fit...Try on both boots (most people have one foot slightly bigger than the other) and take a walk around indoors. Try to walk on an incline (such as up and down the stairs) if possible."

If you've bought the boots because they feel comfortable, wear it indoors and "keep them on for a couple of hours to allow your feet to settle into them and warm up. If the boots do not feel comfortable after this period or it is a great relief to take them off, do not wear them outdoors, return them to the shop and try again. You may need to try a different size, or a different model, or even both. If necessary we encourage you to keep repeating this exercise until you find boots which are comfortable and compatible with your feet. No matter how good the footwear is, if the fit is bad the boots will not meet your expectations."

Material
I've never compromised on the quality of shoes I buy. While a synthetic leather pair may be cheaper, they won't last as long, and they won't be as comfortable as boots made of leather. Leather shapes to the mold of you feet and allows it to "breathe" vs. fake leather. Leather boots also keep your feet warmer! (Since you're in the Land of Oz aka The Home of Uggs, you will definitely see sheepskin leather boots lined with shearling which will really keep feet toasty warm, but uhhmm are Ugg-ly heehee)

There are different types of leather to consider. Boots made with split leather, suede, or nubuck are softer, lighter and easier on the feet than full grain leather boots. The latter may require a bit of breaking in, but are more durable than soft leather boots.

Grip
Best to get boots made with rubber soles for traction and stability. But if like me, you've fallen in love with a pair that is super flat with very thin soles, you can just have it zipsoled right away before wearing it out (don't wait to run down your soles) to extend the life of your boots!

3. STRUCTURE

If you're into classic dressing, go for structured boots inspired by equestrian/riding boots.

The Real Deal...


For horsing around the city streets...


If you're less Boston Brahmin and more Bourgeois Boheme, then maybe you'd like a pair of slouchy boots like this one from the designer to the BoBos herself - Isabel Marant:



In between, there are motorcyle boots, cowboy boots and ballerina style flat boots so best to decide on what shape suits your style!

(Photo credit: impulseseattle.com)

4. STYLE

Now assuming that you're not into tall boots, then you can always go for booties or mid-calf boots!

Steve Madden Booties


Fiorentini & Baker Mid-calf Buckle Boots


Looking for the perfect boots can be a chore, but it can also be a lot of fun! Just remember to stay true to your style and individuality! Happy boot hunting!

La Copa Clearance Sale



Up to 70% off on all designer and La Copa brands from May 30 - June 1, 2008, 1PM-10PM. Located at the lobby of Mancor Corporate Center/ Autoteknika Building, 32nd St. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Freeway Undies Sale!



It's "Buy 1, Take 1" Dahlings! Stock up on undies! You can never have too many!

Freeway's Underwear Sale started May 23 , but it is still ongoing in the following branches: Glorietta 1, SM North Edsa, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Place Novaliches, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Metro East, Festival Supermall Alabang, SM Southmall, SM Super Center Sucat, SM Pampanga (Annex), Alimall-Cubao, SM Bacoor, SM Bicutan, Pavillion Mall-Laguna, SM Megamall, Alabang Town, Center, Edsa Central,SM Dasmariñas, SM Fairview, Market! Market!, SM Batangas, Trinoma.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Style SOS: Classic Shades + Long Cardigan

Hi! Can you suggest sunglasses that are a must have? I'm actually more into classic type of sunglasses and I'm not into bold colors. I like something that could last for different seasons. Thank you.

- MM


Hi MM! When I think of classic sunnies, the first thing that pops into my head are Ray-Ban wayfarers and aviators . These styles have been around as far back as I can remember! Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's to Tom Cruise in Top Gun. From road trips with my parents in the 70's-80's to Chloe S., Sienna, Kate & Kirsten in gossip glossies now! I've been around a little over 30 years and while other sunglass labels have come and gone, Ray-Bans have always been a constant presence. Sure, Ray-Bans go from hot to passe to hot again, but if we look at its long term trend graph, these are blue chips baby!





If you find Ray-Bans too ubiquitous, as they are admittedly hot again these days, you might want to eschew designer sunglasses (Tom Ford, Chloe, etc) and instead go for cult sunglass labels ( as Giancinephile recommended) like Cutler & Gross, Linda Farrow Vintage, Oliver Goldsmith, and Oliver Peoples. They have a competitive advantage when it comes to eyewear and I can pretty much say that they make the sort of sunglasses that will make you look cool now, up until you become a grandma! =)

I also suggest you check out style.com's Anatomy of a Classic: Sunglasses for more shapes, styles and labels that may suit your taste!

Hope this helps! =)

Hi MFO!

I just bought a long brown cardigan from Topshop at 50% off.

It sort of looks like this:

Can you give me fashionable ideas on what I can pair it with? :)

- Candy


Hi Candy! Long cardigans are very versatile! You've got a keeper there that's for sure! At 50% off, that's definitely a great buy!

I have a couple of long cardigans myself and I pretty much wear it with everything, be it shorts, jeans, leggings, and dresses! You can button it up, keep it loose, belt it, tuck it or just wrap it around your shoulders!

Here are a couple of looks that I love!

With shorts:


With a mini dress:


With jeans:


I love pairing long cardigans with long necklaces and lots of bangles for that free-sprited vibe that goes against the stigma of prissy WASP-y cashmere cardigans. I also like belting cardigans when I want to dress it up a little! Feel free to play with accessories until you find a look that is yours and yours alone!

For more tips on how to wear cardigans, check out a post I made sometime back here!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Barneys Private Sale!

I am far away from temptation, but for the lucky ones with a Barneys at your disposal, what are you waiting for? Shoo! Scram! =)

Monday, May 19, 2008

Tresorie Cash Break Sale on May 21, 2008!


Hey shopaholics! Tresorie is celebrating its 1st year anniversary this Wednesday! How time flies! I wrote about Ingrid "cooking up a store" a little over a year ago and now Tresorie is turning 1!

To celebrate Tresorie's "birthday", there will be a Cash Break sale from 11:30 AM to 7 PM tomorrow! If you pay in cash, you get special deals on Tresor Makati designer bags (hey, there's a yellow Goyard Fidji going for P30,000 plus great deals on Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada bags!), D!Luxe accessories and clothes from 8 and a Half!

Call 890-0037 for more info or just drop by the store! Tresorie is located at #122 Jupiter Street, Makati City!

See you there tomorrow!

Krusell Online Contest WINNERS!



So I asked three questions:

1. Where is Krusell's headquarters?

2. What is the Swedish case company Krusell's tagline?

3. Which Krusell Collection is designed exclusively for women?


The answers of which are as follows:

1. Mölndal, Sweden

2. "Get Carried Away"

3. Purple Label Collection


I received a total of 21 entries, but as much as I hope we can give everyone a Krusell case for joining, we can only give a prize to the first five readers who sent in their entry through the comments section or by email! Here are the winners of Krusell's Online Contest!

1. Tal
Sent entry: 5/17 at 11:11 PM by Comments section

2. Yasmine
Sent entry: 5/17 at 11:31 PM by Comments section

3. Christian
Sent entry: 5/17 at 11:41 PM by Comments section

4. Bubblehead
Sent entry: 5/18 at 12:21 AM by Comments section

5. Em
Sent entry: 5/18 at 12:51 AM by Email

Winners! To claim your Krusell Purple Label Collection mobile phone case, please email me at manilafashionobserver@gmail.com and leave your full name, address and telephone number so I can send you your brand spanking new Krusell mobile phone case ASAP! =)

Thanks to all who participated and don't worry! We'll have more contests in the future! ;)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

What to Pack When You're Going to NYC

Hi Manila Fashion Observer!

Help! I'll be in NY next week...please can you post some of your daily "what you are wearing" pics. Puhleez puhleez puhleez. I know its spring but since spring is pretty much the most unpredictable season, i just want to know what to pack and still look fashionable. Want to look fashionable like you!

Thanks thanks thanks!

- CAC


Hi CAC! Heehee! Thanks! As much I enjoy documenting my outfits, I'm back home enjoying our surprisingly balmy tropical weather, so sadly, I have no Spring outfits to share! =(

But I'll share with you the articles of clothing I've been wearing the past couple of days while I was on the East Coast! Actually, you remind me of me, I also plan my outfits when I travel because I don't want to be a victim of poor wardrobe planning. Traveling should be fun and filled with good memories, and the last thing you want is to be hampered by uncomfortable clothes and shoes. So for me, the most important thing when traveling is to wear stuff you can really move in. But you also want to look stylin' in your tourist-y shots, so it has got to be a healthy mix of comfortable and stylish right? I am also a proponent of traveling light. Because, I'm pretty sure you'll be picking up a couple of pieces here and there and you simply have to have lots of room in your luggage for your "souvenirs"! ;)

Here are my top picks that I consider to be NYC Spring staples:

1. Jeans

You can't go wrong with jeans! Bring your best fitting pairs, maximum of 2 (one for flats one for heels!)! You can wear the former with Converse or Superga sneakers, a plain tee and a light cotton scarf as you make your way to Liberty Island via Ellis Island for your requisite shots with Lady Liberty. If you're lucky to get into Socialista, wear the latter and glam it up with a le smoking blazer, sparkly jewelry and sky high heels (cab rides necessary!)!

Spring calls for lighter hues be it in blue, grey or hey, white! But if you find dark washes more flattering, stick with it! Skinny jeans remain hot while wide legs are deemed a must have, whichever way, go with what works for you!





(Photo credit: J Brand Jeans)

2. Tees & Tanks

Bring a couple of tees and tanks for layering. As you said, Spring can be unpredictable. It can bring both showers and sunshine so these will definitely come in handy! You can always wear a tee over your tank when the weather starts to get a bit chilly. Together or alone, tanks & tees also serve as a solid base for scarves, vests, jackets, necklaces and other accessories!





3. Dresses

Spring calls for feminine dressing! Bare your legs with a short dress and gladiator sandals or go bourgeois boheme with a maxi dress and capri sandals!





Dresses are great for strolling in Central Park and not a bad thing to wear while window shopping or hanging out in cafes in Greenwich Village!

4. Cardigan/Light jacket or Blazer

It's always best to have a cardigan or jacket around in case of sudden drops in temperature! Cardigans can be rolled and stuffed into your bag, while light jackets can become added weight especially if the weather is extremely nice. Either way, just keep them handy! If you watch a play in the Theater District or at Loews near Madison Square Garden, you might find the A/C chilly!




Best if you check weather.com before you leave the house or your hotel! That's what Dear Hubby and I always do to make sure we are dressed appropriately for the weather! =)

5. Scarves

Scarves do not only keep you warm, they make the perfect accessories as well! Make sure you bring scarves made of cotton or jersey. Woolen scarves can get itchy in warmer weather.





(Photo credit: Garance Dore)

6. Flat Shoes

While Sex & The City romanticized walking around Manhattan in heels, I would have to say this is where reel and real won't ever meet. That is, unless one has a limo, a Town Car or even a yellow cab at their disposal! Savvy Manhattan commuters know that heels are for serious business (be it work or party), and flats and sneakers are for getting around the city!

Bring your comfiest ballet flats, sneakers or sandals because these are your friends! Even if you have invested $24 for a one week unlimited Metro Card (trust me, it's so worth it!) you will still end up walking around the city so unless you can live in towering heels - wear flats! I've seen lots of hapless tourists fall into the Sex & The City trap walking around in heels and I tell you, it's not a pretty sight. Women in heeled booties and platforms we see captured by the Sartorialist most likely work inside carpeted offices and don't have to pound the pavements of NYC cramming all the must-visit city sights in a couple of days or a few weeks.

Lastly, I leave you with this image from The Sartorialist which I feel captures the essence of dressing for Spring in the City!



Oh! And here's a tip! Since you're in New York, stock up on clothes, bags and shoes that are hard to find here in the Philippines (from H&M, UNIQLO, Muji, to Barneys, Bergdorfs and Bendels). You can then incorporate your NYC finds with the clothes and shoes you've packed to come up with more looks! Hope this helps! Have fun in New York CAC! =)

Krusell Online Contest!


Krusell and MFO are giving away 5 stylish mobile phone cases from Krusell's Purple Label Collection! (Trust me, these are so nice, I'm tempted to keep one for myself! Heehee!)

If you're feeling lucky, simply answer all three questions below! The first 5 readers to give me the correct answer to all 3 questions will win a mobile phone case from Krusell's Purple Label Collection!

1. Where is Krusell's headquarters?

2. What is the Swedish case company Krusell's tagline?

3. Which Krusell Collection is designed exclusively for women?

Clue: Check out Krusell's site for answers! Krusell Mobile Phone Cases are valued at $29.9 to $49.9! ;)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Pepper Lunch Opens FRIDAY, May 16, 2008!!!

Here's a preview of what to expect (click to enlarge):



I couldn't believe my luck when Chuvaness herself invited me to drop by for the dry run/food tasting at Pepper Lunch! I must say! It was a happy tummy day! I had the Tokusen Rib Eye steak (as suggested by Ingrid aka The Baghag) and it was sooooo yummy! The vegetables were fresh and crisp, my steak was tender and juicy and I had it just the way I like it! Because it's DIY (as the tagline says, "Sizzle it your way!")! Hehehe! What tops the expectation of a delicious meal, is the fact that the food arrived super duper fast!

I almost forgot to take photos of my Tokusen Rib Eye, and my SIL Lorr's Hitokuchi because I was ready to attack my hot iron plate! Hahaha! But don't worry, I'll post photos soon enough! As soon as I find my USB cord gosh darn it (I packed everything but that! Jeez!)! While I was busy taking photos, Jeroen (Cecile's husband, and her partner in Pepper Lunch) noticed that I wasn't spreading the butter over the steak, so he rushed to our table and taught us the importance of spreading the butter and turning the beef over right away so that it won't get overcooked! Oops! He also suggested mixing the Amakuchi (Garlic Soy Sauce) and Karakuchi (Honey Brown Sauce) together. Which true enough made a great combination!

Apart from the fun of "sizzling" my own dish, I liked it that the food stays hot longer, because it's served on a patented electromagnetic dish. The last thing I want is my steak to go all greasy on me (then again maybe I just eat slow) so this was really a great dining experience. It's the perfect welcome meal after being away from home for a good number of months! This is the stuff that cravings are made of!

It was also great meeting my "online buddies" Cecile and Grace for the first time. Cecile even took my picture for her Manila Street Fashion blog Manila Style! See here. Heehee!

Thanks so much to the Van Stratens for being so warm and friendly, and for inviting me to Pepper Lunch! I'm definitely going back with the whole family soon!

Pepper Lunch is located at the Concourse Level/Food Court of Powerplant Mall (across Rustans Fresh)

(Photo from Chuvaness)

Dream Jobs Part II: Marketing Beauty


There’s a scent that I am pretty crazy about because of its super cute bottle (yeah, I pretty much judged it by its “cover” hehe). I mean, I just couldn’t resist its perfume bottle cap made out of daisies! But more than that, it smells just so happy, young and fresh that I decided I would make it my signature scent.

So imagine my surprise when I met the girl who is marketing this fragrance in the US! And yes, she’s from the Philippines, born and bred! Cathy Abella, went to highschool in Poveda and college at the Ateneo de Manila University where she got her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While most Psych grads end up proceeding to medicine proper, law, or maybe a graduate degree and then a PhD, Cathy now handles marketing for designer fragrance brands in the US.

Sigh! Some people dream of working in the fashion/cosmetics/fragrance industry in New York City, and she’s actually living the dream! I just couldn’t resist but quiz her on how she came to work for one of the most prestigious beauty companies in Manhattan. Of course, I just have to share her experience with you! I hope her story will inspire you to follow your dreams and just make it happen!

1. How did you get started in the cosmetics/fragrance/beauty industry? Have you always wanted to be in that industry?

I never knew that I wanted to be in the beauty industry until a few years after graduating from college and starting my professional career.

My first job out of college was at an advertising agency in Manila where I worked in both media research and account management for a year. I moved to New York shortly after and continued to do advertising work for a popular weekend magazine. After two years in the magazine business, I realized that I had developed an enthusiasm for the fashion and beauty industry. After some time getting exposed and immersed in the fast-paced, exciting world that New York has to offer, I sat down to think about my interests and to explore how I could translate those interests into something I would eventually love doing.

Finally, I did a lot of research and networked with friends and other people already close to the fashion and beauty industry. They had a lot to share which only made me even more excited! I got a lucky break when I received a call from a search firm for a position at the company I am in today. I went through the interview process until they offered me a job starting as a Marketing Coordinator for all designer brands.

2. What are the entry level positions that one can look into if they want to work in the beauty industry? Can they do an internship while in school?

One usually starts as a Marketing Assistant, which is a great position to learn the basic day to day duties of marketing. At our company, we have interns who work on various brands and undergo training in different areas of the beauty industry.

3. How should one prepare for a career in the beauty industry?

Taking courses related to fashion and beauty would definitely be a great advantage. It would also help to know some fundamentals of marketing which you can apply in the workplace. However, I think the most important ingredients are having a genuine interest in the industry, a strong motivation to learn, and the right inter-personal skills to see your projects move from concept to execution.

4. What qualities do beauty companies look for in their marketing team?

A lot of determination and a “can-do” attitude. As much as the work is exciting, there are also challenges along the way. You must have the willingness to embrace those challenges and sometimes even go above and beyond the call of duty.

5. What are the perks of your job? Is it as glamorous as the beauty industry is perceived to be? What is your office like and are you always surrounded by perfumes and beauty products?

Some perks of the job include meeting really interesting people such as celebrities, designers and leaders in the industry during events. Speaking of events, we attend a lot of parties and new product launches which are all added perks to the job. There are days when it’s all exciting and glamorous --- and yes, sampling the different fragrances and cosmetics everywhere in the office --- but there are also days when you just have to roll up your sleeves and get something done and out the door. It’s a good balance of fun and hardwork!

6. Are there any cons to working in the beauty industry?

We can easily be stereotyped as “kikay” or “ditzy” just because we’re in the fashion and beauty industry. The truth is, there are a lot of brilliant people who have made a name for themselves because of the creativity, skills, knowledge, passion and wisdom that they gained from working in the industry.

Beyond simply loving fashion and beauty, it is imperative to have good analytical and decision-making skills to be able to manage beauty brands. One also needs to be an effective communicator to reach the right target audience and to become a successful leader.

7. What's a day in your life like?

No two days are the same in beauty marketing. We’re always on the go, season after season but we’re busiest when there’s a new product launch. What makes the day exciting is having a mix of goals that we need to achieve and being able to work with so many different people. Managing a brand involves knowing about various business functions including finance, sales, advertising, PR, supply chain, production, global marketing, creative, and media.

8. What advice can you give to those whose dream is to one day work for a cosmetics/beauty/fragrance company?

Before getting into any industry/company or job, I think it’s essential to spend some time figuring out what you really want to be; and then stick to your dream and work your best to achieve it, even if it takes some time for it to happen. Education is so valuable so try to do the best that you can and maximize the opportunities that come your way.

Cathy recently launched an exclusive designer fragrance, and is about to complete her master’s degree in marketing and communications at Columbia University in New York City.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

DIY Hermès Kelly

So you want a Kelly? Well, you don't have to wait any longer! Because Hermès is giving away Kelly bags! As many as you want! The downloadable version though!



Click here and make your own Kelly bag! It'll do while waiting for the real one! ;) And hey, it's something crafty to do on your free time or over the weekend too!

Cheers to Childhood!

Remember this post? I love belts and I especially love Legos because I have fond memories of swallowing one or two in my early days! Heehee!

For those who want to reminisce about their youth, and want a constant reminder of it to keep them young, let me share with you where we can get those Lego-d belts (not logo-ed!) that went down the Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2008 runway!

Tadaa!



This is the buckle that I got:


And I chose a red belt to go with it, so mine will look sort of like this:


How cute no?! Another belt added to my collection! I really have The Sartorialist to thank for taking photos of "The Twins" Dee & Ricky (who are actually 2/3 of a set of triplets), the brains behind these fun Lego belts!

Monday, May 12, 2008

Krusell Purple Label: Stylish Mobile Cases from Sweden

If you're forced to keep your mobile phone ensconced in those masculine black cellphone cases (Because you're not willing to spend oodles of dough on logo-ed luxury cases?), then you'll find great relief from Krusell's Purple Label Collection. The Swedish company Krusell, which produces and designs cases for portable electronics, has taken women's concerns to heart by combining technology with style and fashion. Ahhh yes, trust the Swedes (who brought us IKEA, H&M and Cheap Mondays) to come up with functional yet well-designed pieces!

Says Ulf Sandberg, CEO of Krusell International AB, "With our second collection for our Purple Label, we will further extend our target group. We will reach a wider range of trend conscious and fashion oriented consumers."

Just check out these cases to see what he means:

Coco is feminine & flirty and designed with classical elements (think Chanel quilt!) in mind. It comes in white, black & pink and has a detachable chain handle of white gold or red gold plated chain with charms. Note that the quilted leather has a pearly sheen to it! How girly can this one get?




Couture is made for party wear and clubbing! So you can keep your hands free while dancing, but still keep your valuables with you! It comes in black or white nappa leather with an embossed flower pattern. Its braided shoulder strap, chain handle and tassel with charms are all detachable! It even has two credit card slots at the back!




Lush comes in a rainbow of patent leather summer colors like Provence Blue, Pink, Orange, White, Daiquiri Green and Black! Great for everyday use, and you can even match it to whatever outfit you have on for the day!




These cases come in one size to fit small to medium sized mobile phones and cameras. In addition they can be used as a smaller evening bag, or for make-up and credit cards for every-day use. They are made out of exquisite leather with features like credit card slots, straps, tassels, and chains with charms.

What more can a girl with a cellphone/PDA ask for?

In Asia, Krusell's Purple Label Collection is available in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia and Thailand. If you would like to order online, you may do so through Expansys.

About Krusell:
Krusell International AB is a Swedish company exporting high-end cases around the world. After more than 10 years in the cell phone industry, Krusell is established as one of the leading brands in its niche. Besides cases for mobile and smart phones, Krusell also produces cases for PDAs, digital cameras, MP3-players and lap tops. Most Krusell cases sold are equipped with their patented carrying solution, Multidapt. The headquarters of Krusell are located in Mölndal, Sweden.

For information about Krusell, please visit www.krusell.se

TIP: Check out the website! Krusell and yours truly will be raffling off FIVE Krusell Purple Label cases to you dear readers! I'll be asking a couple of questions and first to send in their reply will get a prize! Promise! ;)

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Pantene's Most Beautiful Women Dare To Get Wet!

Oohhh! How intriguing huh? But it's not what you think!

When I got an invite (thanks Romsie!) to cover the event, of course I got "kilig" again! It really is fun to see products before they hit the market so it was interesting to discover what Pantene had under wraps...



Again, I sent my Manila-based "correspondents" to do the reporting for me! After cocktails at Hotel Intercon's poolside with the strummings of a harpist on the foreground, they were treated to a visual spectacle of synchronized swimmers/dancers who aptly dared to get wet!

Turns out it was the launch of Pantene Pro-V Hair Fall Control's new formulation - the water-activated Pro-Vitamin B5 formula that reduces hair fall due to hair breakage by up to 98%. It nourishes the hair root and helps strengthen hair resulting in less breakage. How relevant is this water-activated thingamajig you might ask?

Well, if you remember, hair is at its weakest when wet. Remember how much hair falls out when brushing wet hair? And why detangling is such a big deal? And! The reason why swimmers are more prone to falling hair, split ends, discoloration and such? I should know, when I was in high school, I was with the swim club (can you believe that!) and I used to get teased "Badjao" (Sea Gypsy) because my hair was so brownish red from all the sun, water and chlorine I was exposed to! And, sigh, yes I always seemed to shed hundreds of strands of hair after showering! So swimmers especially, take note! This might just be the shampoo for you!



After Ella Reyes, Pantene's Brand Manager, spoke about hairfall and how Pantene can help control it, Pantene's Council of Stylists (the country's top hairstylists) were introduced: Rose Velasco and Jude Hipolito (Univers Phyto by Kaizen), Jing Monis (Propaganda), Celeste Tuviera (Symmetria), Henri Calayag (Henri Calayag Salon), Louis Kee (Razzle Dazzle), and Victor Ortega (Emphasis)...

Of course, the clincher for the evening (apart from Pantene itself of course!) were Pantene's Most Beautiful Women of 2008: Ruffa Gutierrez, Gretchen Baretto, Judy Anne Santos and Claudine Baretto...



Oh diba, showbiz! The guests even had the chance to interview the stylists and endorsers (ala The Buzz?). And do a meet and greet afterwards. You know, take photos with them for posterity...which my "correspondents" did not seem to do! Hehehe!

Best of all, and I think the main reason why my "correspondents" are game to attend these events for me, is because they came home with swag! Aren't they beautiful too? (You better attend events for me again! Heehee!)



For more about Pantene products and Pantene's Most Beautiful campaign, check out their website!

Friday, May 02, 2008

Limited Edition Jo Malone Kohdo Wood Collection

Fragrance fanatics take note! There's a new scent in town!



The World of Jo Malone™ introduces the Kohdo Wood Collection, two captivating fragrances created as a modern interpretation of an ancient Asian tradition. These two new Eastern scents are inspired by the ancient Japanese incense ceremony of Kohdo, where emotions are influenced according to the different nature of scents.

The invigorating fragrance of Lotus Blossom & Water Lily – Kohdo Wood Day, is designed to wake the senses and energise the soul, while Dark Amber & Ginger Lily – Kohdo Wood Night, is a sensual and calming blend that encourages tranquillity.

Jelly Gladiators from Old Navy

Only $19.50! Reminds me a bit of Marc Jacobs's jelly gladiators, and way cheaper too! These ankle-strap gladiators come in two colors:

Smoke


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