Monday, September 29, 2008

Tiger Balmain

For some reason, I've always thought Balmain pieces were for mature ladies who lunch. But then again, I've always associated the label with Pierre Balmain and not Christophe Decarnin. And ever since French Vogue Fashion Director Emmanuelle Alt has been seen about town wearing the newer, edgier Balmain, my interest for Balmain has been rejuvenated!



While Pierre Balmain was known for his elegant pieces, Balmain under Christophe today is all about edgy, rock and roll style. And even though I am not exactly a punk-y kind of girl, I'm loving the dhoti pants (as seen on Emmanuelle above), and the skinny leather pants of F/W '08...




See how Emmanuelle is rocking it...just effortless!



And I'm enthralled to say the least, with the new shape of his le smoking for Spring/Summer '09...


If you think these pieces are drool-worthy enough, I'm not yet done! I leave you with the Balmain fringe ankle boot for F/W 2008 as seen on Vogue Nippon Creative Director Anna Dello Russo. I call it, The Minnetonka fringe boots' higher, badder, runway sister!


(Photos from jakandjil.com and style.com)

Style of Our Times

It has been said that current fashion is a reflection of the state of the economy.

So if bad ass shoes and leather leggings are becoming this season's staples, what does this say about our times? That we are in a state of rebellion and sadomasochism? Studs and spikes on dizzyingly high heels, escapist elements on chunky platforms, I mean really, who can actually walk five paces in these without cringing a bit? Are we punishing ourselves for consuming more than we should have? For being greedy and for thinking that growth has infinite limits?

On the brighter side of things, let's talk about skintight skin against skin...It sure can keep our legs warm when it chilly out. And they just look so tough and bad ass, like nothing can beat us down. But when leather leggings such as this one (which I happen to love love love by the way) from The Row is priced at $1700, it just begs the question, "Can somebody at this time actually afford these?"



It's hard to say how the downturn in the markets have affected the truly affluent who can afford such luxuries, rumor has it that there are homes in Beverly Hills and precious art collections being off loaded as we speak, but I suppose they are the least of our worries. I mean, their losses will probably just force them to re-visit their plans of renovating their summer home in the Hamptons while the rest of us are at a standstill, waiting for aftershocks across the worldwide financial markets, and hoping against hope that the buck stops here, while praying for the dust to settle soon.

It's a bit annoying that this gloom and doom scenario has been brought upon us. But in a good way, it has given all of us perspective. In fact, fashion magazines and websites have adroitly led its readers to invest in the classics and to spend on pieces that will last beyond this season, whereas in much happier times, it was all about "ditch this and buy what's now!".

From an economic and social studies point of view, it is interesting to see how one industry affects another, and how each sector of society reacts towards precarious situations like now. But it is high time we learn our lesson, and we can start with our attitude towards shopping - whether it be for clothes, shoes or homes.

If you don't love it, don't buy it! If it doesn't fit right, forget it! And best of all, if you can't afford it, don't put it on credit! In the most simple terms, when people buy without planning on/or the capacity of paying, and when banks keep lending without due diligence, that's when trouble starts!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

"Sretsis: Sisters Act" On The Radar 4

Yay! On The Radar 4 is out! I was curious to see how my article looked on print (newsprint virgin ya know!), and it looks like a dream! Grace of Divasoria posted the newspaper scans in her blog and flickr site! Check out the complete scans and links there if you're like me and don't have access to the paper!



To read my interview with Pim Sukhahuta of Sretsis, click here.

P.S.
Mom and Dad! Please save this Sunday's Philippine Star! This is history in the making! (Haha!) Please! Please! Please!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Still Coco Loco

When I first wrote about this over a year ago, I just couldn't contain my excitement!

Now I know what a teaser really means with the movie's official poster released for all to see!


Aaarrgghhh! I'm going crazy with anticipation! I watched the Lifetime Movie Channel's Coco biopic starring Shirley MacLaine and while it wasn't exactly the most consistent, character wise (uhm, young Coco spoke with a French accent while the mature Coco spoke with an American accent?!), I have to say I was drawn and captivated by her story! Coco may not be the most likeable person, but she truly was ahead of her time!



I want to see more of the young Coco to understand how she became who she was! While books have explained time and again her life story, I'm a visual person and I've got to see it to really sink it in. Plus, I can't deny I'm itching to see the fashion and styling in the Anne Fontaine movie!

Look Who's On The Radar This Sunday!

Wake up and smell the coffee! And make sure you open the pages of your Sunday paper, let's make it the Philippine Star shall we, because your lowly blogger is now a Radar girl! =)

My article, an interview with Pim Sukhahuta of Sretsis (the Thai label which just happens to be my current obsession) is coming out tomorrow in On The Radar, the Philippine Star's newest section headed by journalist and style setter Cecile Van Straten of Chuvaness. Cecile, I'm a fan of yours, but now I'm a bigger fan times two! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to write for my favorite paper!

I grew up reading the Philippine Star, and have always dreamt of writing for them. So much so that when I was in grad school, I blatantly asked my dad if he could ask his friend, then Philippine Star Chairman Max Soliven, to give me a column. Yeah, just like that. My dad pondered on my proposal (probably appalled at how brash I was, and wondering how he managed to produce such a daughter) and after a couple of minutes, of course, my dad said no! Hahaha!

So dearies, please be the sweeties that you are and make sure you turn the page directly to On The Radar before you hit the headlines! Heehee!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Overheard at the Hermès Sample Sale

Girl walks out with two big white paper bags and runs into her boyfriend, Guy 1, who is waiting in line with Guy 2, a friend from work. Guy 1 leaves the line and kisses girl and takes her shopping bags from her...

Girl: (Still on a high after the intense retail situation, and a little bit flustered that Guy 1 saw her loaded with stuff) Sweetie! Have you been waiting long outside? I got some ties and a couple of scarves, and charged it to my mom's credit card! It's crazy in there!

Guy 1: Yeah, we just sneaked out to buy a few ties...

Guy 2: Not me, I'm going to burn my bank account, and make it wish it never existed!

Guy 1: Oh hey, you've met ____ before right? (He introduces his friend to his girlfriend and they exchange pleasantries)

Guy 1 to Guy 2: Hey, I'll just get ___ into a cab, and I'll go grab a sandwich at the corner, do you want one too?

Guy 2: Nah, I'm ok. Go ahead.

(Guy 1 comes back after a couple of minutes and complains about the expensive tomato and cheese sandwich to Guy 2)

Guy 2: Hey man! You're girlfriend bought a lot in there!

Guy 1: Yeah, seven ties man! And like 5 scarves. That's a lot!

Guy 2: What is she going to do with seven ties?

Guy 1: Gifts probably...for her dad I guess...She shops a lot...

Guy 2: You gotta be ready for that, you're gonna marry her!

Guy 1: Uhmmm, yeah, I guess. Well, probably...

Guy 2: Probably?!

Guy 1: I mean, we've been together four years...but I'm not that sure yet...

At this moment, I realized how men view women's shopping habits! Suddenly, I felt sorry for the girl who had no idea those shopping bags became points against her. Lucky the girl who finds a guy who does not feel threatened by the exchange of goods and cash, and appreciates the thrill coming from the simple swipe of a credit card!

Lesson Learned: Never let your partner catch you shopping up a storm. Not at the Hermès sample sale at least, where ties are a little over $100, scarves are $225, and coin purses are $300-$600.

Sticker Shocker!



A $349 dress from H&M?

Why yes, because its Comme des Garçons for H&M! But still, definitely a shocker for H&M habitués who are used to paying $30 to $60 for a dress from the Swedish retailer. A great deal though for CdG lovers who now can wear something from Rei K. without having to shell out a fortune.

Before you think this collection for H&M is a watered down version of CdG, Rei tells BlackBook Magazine, "The collection is constructed around Comme des Garçons’ style. Rather than aiming to make clothes that no one has ever seen before, it is very much Comme des Garçons to its roots. My priority has always been creativity, which was not the least bit compromised with this collection. That was the last thing H&M wanted us to do. Otherwise they wouldn’t have asked us.”

Whichever angle you are coming from, this is good news for CdG fans. Stella, Karl and Roberto had to keep their prices on the down low, which kept both designer crazed and H&M fans very happy. Whereas Rei's pricing strategy will definitely weed out the noncommitals.

Yay for Rei! You are one smart cookie! But wait, being the revolutionary designer that she is, will she now be setting this trend of mass retailer & designer collaborated pieces priced in the range of contemporary designer prices? Let's see how this catches on!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cole Vintage Sale!



Hey everyone! Cole Vintage will be on sale from September 27 to October 15, 2008!

Drop by at any of the Cole Vintage outlets at The Ramp Shangri-la, Trinoma, Glorietta, Mia Bella Serendra and Galleria. You have every reason to when discounts are up to 50% off on clothes, 40% off on bags and shoes! ;)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Sharing My Outfit Day: Puruntong Shorts



It was a hot and humid day, with forecasts of a hurricane blowing into Florida, when we were there the first week of September. That being the case, I felt that dressing for comfort was key. More so when the order of the day was a trip to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, and the chances of getting wet, thanks to nature and/or the rides was pretty much 100%!

I grew up during the 80s (John & Marsha) and 90s (Hip Hop, yo diggity!), hence, I have always equated comfort dressing with long shorts. Short enough to keep me cool, with enough fabric to keep me decent. (Well, yeah, that and my Catholic all-girls school upbringing). That left me with no issues at all too when it comes to wearing "puruntong" shorts! (And now that I've realized it, the reason why I can't seem to bring myself to wear those ubiquitous torn denim hot pants ala Erin Wasson and Rumi Neely!)

But I just realized how different I looked side by side the rest of the folks in Orlando. It's just me and the guys wearing long shorts! Hahaha!



Oh well, I'll just scratch my head...!


...and look for comfort inside the Mulberry Street Store then!

Man with a Goyard St. Louis Tote

I've seen several men in Manhattan carrying a Goyard bag, but always the Ambassade.

So imagine how my curiosity was piqued when I saw our neighbor, a tall and distinguished white-haired gentleman in his 60s, toting an orange St. Louis as he boarded the bus a few days ago. I figured his wife must have left it at home, and knowing how women carry their life in their bags, he must have thought it urgent to bring her bag to her. How nice of him!

But when I saw him again earlier this evening near Times Square, toting the orange bag, while wearing an impeccable suit with flip flops, I went berserk and just had to take his photo! What a character! Of course, I nearly tripped in an effort to catch him and was half-running, trying to get a clear shot. Unfortunately, no one get clear shots while running and dodging pedestrians. But this was the best that I could do...




I practically stalked him, and even sat near him so I could get a closer shot! I pretended to be fidgeting with my camera, hoping he wouldn't notice, heehee! But, a moving bus isn't the smoothest ride, so yeah, no clear shots even here. But hey, this was my excitement for the day! Haha!



Sigh, yes, I have to admit I spent a good half hour of my time trying to take a picture of a man with a woman's tote. Looking back, that was kind of a cheap thrill. I know, sometimes I just go cuckoo like that!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Tresorie Cash Break Sale on September 26, 2008!


My favorite friends! Visit TRESORIE on September 26, 2008 for their CASH BREAK SPECIAL SALE in celebration of their building's 3rd year anniversary!

Pay in cash and receive special bargains and discounts on authentic designer bags from Tresormakati.com, accessories from D! Luxe, and chic clothing (and a special sample sale!) from 8 and a Half!

Select bags will be specially marked for the Special Occasion which will commence at 5:00PM (Yes, After work :D). We're talking bags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Goyard, Hermes, YSL, Prada, Gucci, Tod's, Dior, Chanel, Marc Jacobs...Here's a list of what you can expect! Tick off what you like, and make sure you get there stat!

LV monogram trouville
LV damier speedy
LV batignolles
LV neverfull
LV lockit
LV ellipse
YSL muse
Prada fairy bag
Goyard st Louis
Hermes Tsako
Hermes Her Bag
Hermes Garden Party

Now, aren't these bags enough reason to convince you that this is an event you don't want to miss? Tresorie will be open until 10pm to give everyone the chance to pop over and grab that bag you want! But remember, the sale only begins at 5:00PM.

So mark your calendar, SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 AT 5:00PM ONWARDS AT TRESORIE, 2nd flr Doña Consolacion Bldg 122 Jupiter Street Makati City. Cocktails and hors d'oeurves will be served too. Not only will you be happy, you won't go hungry too! Heehee!

Oh, and please note that they can't take bag reservations for anyone. There will be no "waitlist" for the bags as well. So, once you have the bag in your hands, it's yours to buy!

Enjoy!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Fringe Benefits

It pays to be a buyer. You get first dibs on the good stuff. I saw three different buyers at the trade shows, two of them Japanese, wearing these fringed over the knee boots from Gucci's Fall 2008 Collection! (Oh let me tell you about Japanese buyers! They are just so fab! These teeny-tiny girls in the highest heels, if not the fringe-iest boots, who look like they layered on the first five things they got their hands on, yet come across as if they thought about it the night before. Add to the fact they have these perfectly made-up faces and fantastic blowed-out hair, spend tens of thousands of dollars on one collection-among a hundred or so, yet giggle like shy school girls when they ask to take photos of the samples!)





My friend Lindsay wants these Gucci boots as her statement piece for Fall. Meanwhile, the only thing missing in this photo...



is my foot in it!!! Yeah, when it comes to shoes, I have a hard time letting go. I've wanted this for FW07 and ended up with the brown one. One year later, I still want a pair in black! Although, Dear Hubby says, with what's been going on in the financial markets, it just isn't prudent to be shopping at this time.

Let's see if "pump-priming the economy" sounds like a good excuse to him!

Shows To Watch!

1. The Rachel Zoe Project, Bravo TV, Tuesdays 10/9C


"A docu-drama that follows celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and her trusted inner circle -- husband Rodger and fashion team, Taylor and Brad -- as they endeavor to take Zoe's business to the next level. In the series, the perfectly styled, go-to force among "it" starlets, fashion houses, beauty firms, and magazine editors will give viewers a fly on the wall look at how she juggles constant deadlines, fashion shows, and celebrity clients."

Watch it for quotable quotes ("I die!!!"), drama between Rachel's assistants Taylor and Brad, and of course, a huge dose of Rachel Zoe style!

2. Privileged, CWTV, Tuesdays 9/8C



Yale grad gets fired from her New York tabloid writing job, and in a twist of fate, becomes a live-in tutor to two spoiled cosmetic empire heiresses in Palm Beach. The Nanny meets Gossip Girl, transported to Florida? You betcha!

Joomi NYC



If you like Blair's green and white flower head band above from Episode 1, Season 2 and want it straight from the source, then check out Joomi NYC. Each piece from the Joomi NYC collection is handcrafted from the finest materials, like Swarovski crystals, French lace, luxe leather and other unique trims from Italy and Japan. Just the way Blair would like it!

Available at Henri Bendel, Fred Segal, Otte, Takishimaya and other specialty boutiques.

Bitch Switch

September is a crazy time to be in New York. Everyone knows about Fashion Week of course, but for buyers, designers and agents (and unwittingly - the consumers) , the crucial part of the fashion season is Market Week, which happens right after Fashion Week. This is when buyers hit the showrooms and trade shows and decide which pieces actually hit the stores.

It must be the hectic, highly charged atmosphere, burdened by bottom line pressure from the business heads that flip on the bitch switch at times like these. Check out this exchange between a buyer and the sales director of a clothing label:

Buyer: Oh my gosh! Your collection is fabulous! What's your minimum order?
Label Rep: It's 50 pieces...
Buyer: But our store is real small, we're looking at 30-35?
Label Rep: Sorry, we can't accept anything less than 50.
Buyer: Is there any way we can negotiate this?
Label Rep: No, we can only do 50, no less.
Buyer: Oh ok, thanks anyway. We love your clothes, here's my card, just in case.

Buyer walks away, label rep talks to one of her staff...

Label Rep: 35 pieces?! That's just, like, my personal order!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Sharing My Outfit Day: Consistency

Just when I thought I have had enough with jeans, I saw the Current/Elliott booth this "Market Week" (thanks to Emee for getting me the trade show passes!) and I have to say, these are the slouchiest, softest, coolest jeans ever, they truly are worth the press they're getting! When I first read about this brand, I thought it was just another run of the mill denim label, but seeing it up close, I am now definitely convinced it's not just hype! I mean, I covet their boyfriend jeans, it's not even funny!

Their booth was packed with buyers, you can expect Current/Elliotts to be a wardrobe staple!




As much as I want my own pair, I'm kind of still holding back until I can't help it anymore! So I fished out this old pair of "boyfriend-ish" jeans...


And came up with this...


I know, it's not as baggy, and that I just wear variations of the same theme, I really shouldn't be posting anymore outfit photos, hahaha! But hey, at least I'm consistent! Heehee!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sanrio Town News!

1. Hello Kitty Online Founders' Beta! Wanted: Founders for the world’s cutest MMORPG!

Sanrio Digital recently announced that Hello Kitty Online will begin an exclusive Founders’ Beta on October 8, 2008. The Founders’ Beta will allow a limited number of users to play the official Hello Kitty MMORPG ahead of launch while receiving Founder benefits and participating in special in-game events.

Hello Kitty Online (www.hellokittyonline.com) is a free-to-play Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) based on Sanrio’s famous characters. The game transports players into the cute and cuddly world of Sanrio Land, where players will meet and interact with over a hundred Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, Badtz-Maru, Keroppi, Dear Daniel, My Melody, Pochacco, Cinnamoroll, and many others.

Hello Kitty Online boasts several new additions and improvements since the Closed Beta version, and the Founder’s Beta will feature a new game client with an improved interface, improved graphics and special effects, new monsters, new maps, new items, and the opening of London and Paris. The Founders’ Beta will also introduce gameplay changes such as new skills, new pet systems and team-play oriented enhancements.

20,000 Founder accounts will be issued on a first-come first-served basis. Players who wish to become Hello Kitty Online Founders are required to sign up on SanrioTown (www.SanrioTown.com) and use the SanrioTown email system to send a blank message to hkofounder@hellokitty.com. Only emails originating from SanrioTown will qualify.

Hello Kitty Online is fully integrated with SanrioTown (www.sanriotown.com) and offers several features of the popular community site, including:

- Fully developed email system available in-game
- Players can create, post and view blogs from inside the game
- Upload, share and view videos in-game
- Social networking options
- Multiplayer mini games with ranking system

About Sanrio Digital
Sanrio Digital is a joint venture between Typhoon Games (HK) Ltd. and Sanrio Co. Ltd. Sanrio Digital is responsible for the expansion of Sanrio intellectual property assets into various digital and online media, leveraging an extensive library of original material that includes world-famous brands such as Hello Kitty, Badtz Maru, My Melody, and others. For more information please visit www.sanriodigital.com.

2. Sanrio Town's Travel the World Event!

Where is your favourite place? Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo? The Louvre Museum in Paris? Or is it Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast? No matter where it is and where you have just been travelling to, we welcome you to share your travel experience at SanrioTown’s first ever Travel the World Event.

Share your bits and pieces from your wonderful trip, from the yummy food you tasted, to some little gadgets you bought, or nice scenery you saw. Submit pictures along with a description about the trip and share with everyone at SanrioTown!

One blogger will be chosen from the pool of articles every month and be featured on the official Travel the World blog as an official winner along with other prizes!

To join or find out more about this event, check out the many pages set up for you on the official Travel the World blog. And even if you are not ready to join yet, you can still visit the blog to travel the world right in front of your computer!

You will need a Sanriotown account with the blog service subscribed to in order to participate in this event, so if you haven’t done so - sign up and activate your blog service now!

Bon voyage!

Girl & Dress at the Global Pinoy Bazaar



Please visit Girl & Dress at the Global Pinoy Bazaar, Rockwell Tent, this September 20 & 21 (Saturday and Sunday).



Check out the fab & flattering pieces from G&D's Holiday collection, and avail of special discounts on selected items! Featuring tops, tunics, dresses, vests, and coverups in jersey, knits, and chiffon... all in a variety of subdued hues, graphic prints, and delicious jewel tones. Stock up on your favorites for your upcoming holiday soirees and get-togethers! G&D is also available at The Ramp at Glorietta 3.

G&D will be sharing a booth with MANNA by Rachel Nubla, a line of the cutest tees for infants and toddlers that are super affordably priced. A great Christmas gift idea for all your nieces, nephews, and godchildren!

The Global Pinoy Bazaar is organized by YABANG PINOY, which actively campaigns for Filipinos believing in and supporting fellow Filipinos, and consuming Filipino-made or Filipino-designed products.

So, for those in Manila, mark your calendars and visit the Global Pinoy Bazaar this weekend!

Simple Shoes Now in Manila!

With "green" being the new black these days, Hightimes Distribution is excited to present Simple® Shoes! From its humble beginnings as a nice little shoe company from Santa Barbara, California in 1991, Simple® is now known as the world leader in sustainable footwear and accessories.

Why so? Simply because Simple® makes good-looking, easy-to-wear comfortable shoes for men, women and children, that are also earth friendly!







Simple® is committed to making its products 100% sustainable, meaning, it is produced with minimal long-term effects on the environment. By using sustainable materials like used car tires for its outsoles (waste car tires that would otherwise have ended up in landfills), Simple® reduces the ‘ecological footprint’ left when making shoes. Used car tires are just one of the over twenty Simple ingredients (Natural & Sustainable materials) used in making Simple® shoes...find out about the rest at simpleshoes.com!

Introducing Balenciaga's New Seasonal Colors



Take your pick!

Ruby Red
Amethyst Pink
Black Cherry
Sapphire

Friday, September 12, 2008

Oh Derian!



In my dreams, our home is filled with paintings, fresh flowers, antique furniture from around the world mixed with contemporary pieces, such as odd bits like Philippe Starck Ghost chairs, and lots of of interesting knick knacks strewn about. And when I mean knick knacks, I mean silver frames and crystals, mishmashed with John Derian decoupage glassware - plates, platters, paperweights, coasters, lamps, bowls, bell jars, urns and vases!



Thing is, my real life budget at this point can't accommodate a house full of John Derian pieces. But just when I was getting bored with Target's Go International line, they get John Derian on board to design stationery and decorative home pieces! Target, I have to say, you know how to keep things fresh!!!

Here's what's on my shopping list!

Letters...
Graphic...
and Bird trays
Butterfly Paperweight

These will do while I save up for the real deal! Heehee!

(Photos from target.com, johnderian.com)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Backstage Pass

There's no such thing as a free lunch though (although there usually is a buffet table of sandwiches, fruits, chips, coffee, water, etc. backstage at each show) so that meant I had to dress up these models! Yup, as in literally get them into their clothes and shoes! If not for RZ's help and advise and for my teacher who gets her students to help out backstage, I wouldn't have had the chance to get to feel the pulse behind the scenes! One was tense, another, pretty well organized, and the last! Just plain crazy! Guess which is which!

No pictures were allowed backstage, but thanks to style.com, here are the fruits of my labor! Hehehe!

At Staerk:



Tuleh:



and Isaac Mizrahi:


Ooooh! And guess what! I saw Anna Wintour and her Vogue team in action, right at the front row of the Isaac Mizrahi show! Surreal!
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