Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Girls Gone Wild at Cole Vintage

The girls at Cole Vintage have gone wild! Well, not "that" kind of wild. More along the lines of animal prints, natural materials and safari inspired pieces, with their "Walk on the Wild Side" collection to be released January 30, 2009! So right on trend for Spring '09!

I'm loving the jumpsuits and the gorgeous flat sandals in this collection! Prices aren't bad too! Expect to shell out between Php595 to Php1890 for clothing, no more than Php 1200 for shoes, and a max of Php 3250 for the bags. (Click on each image to enlarge and see pricing details)











Pieces from the collection will be released each week from January 30 to March 2009! That gives us girls plenty of reason to pop by the following stores on a regular basis:

Mia Bella, Serendra
50th Avenue at Robinson's Galleria
The Ramp in Crossings Glorietta, Trinoma and Shangri-la
Spruce at Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro and Ozamins
Seed at Robinsons Mall Bacolod and Iloilo
Shelves & Hangers in Iligan
Cirrus in Butuan City

For more details (so you can get first dibs on each new shipment!), email info@colevintage.com or call (632) 744-5659.

The Wild Girls..(heehee!)
Cole Vintage Girls: Eileen Chi Co and Loraine Gotao
Photography: Bliss Mabini
Make-up: Eileen Ramos
Model: Chia Hollmann-Yulo

Monday, January 26, 2009

Grandma Minnie's Mom + Baby Skin Care Line from VMV


I'm a sucker for skin care. I hardly buy make up, but I will splurge on anything that promises smooth supple skin! I am from the school of thought that a girl does not need make up if she has great skin to start with. Sure, make up accentuates nice features, but I would rather accentuate healthy glowing skin.

I think I got this mindset from my mom. She's the one who got me obsessed with French chic in the first place. When I was into my teens, she would often tell me, observe French women, they look so effortless, with barely a trace of make up, so natural, etc. etc. and thus became our standard of beauty. Effortless, natural, and always alluring. But of course, effortless and natural beauty requires a lot of work! The secret is to not let others on that it takes time and money (well, not a lot apparently, my mom once came home raving about this girl with smooth rosy cheeks who was selling at a fruit stall at the wet market. She just had to ask the girl what product she was using, "Chin Chan Sui" was the reply) haha! But as our theory goes, the foundation of beauty basically is glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Once attained, any woman becomes attractive. Really. Well, heaps of confidence helps too!

When I got pregnant, I realized there were limitations to my skin care routine. No more peeling products that I stocked up on, I had to say goodbye to the wonder antibiotic that my derma prescribed for stubborn zits, and I just had to make sure that every product that touched my skin was pregnancy friendly - no alcohol based toners, salicylic and alpha/beta hydroxy acids were dubious, strong smelling shampoos and lotions made me dizzy...pretty much a lot of stuff had to be avoided if I wanted to play it safe. This skin thing turned out to be quite a challenge but I was not going to take any chances.

For a while, I made do with just Cetaphil and my moisturizer. I washed my hair with Johnson's Baby Shampoo. But well, I felt I was still compromising my beauty routine (heehee). So I gradually shifted back to using my trusted toner and facial treatment essence that were alcohol and perfume free. That made me happy. But I had yet to find a body lotion that won't make me nauseated from the smell. So when I re-discovered VMV and their hypoallergenic line of pregnancy & lactating friendly products called Grandma Minnie's Mom + Baby Skin Care, I considered my prayers answered! Finally! Products that I have no second thoughts of using, plus its a line I can share with our Little One!

MommyCoddling All-Over Lotion

- For baby’s face and body. For mom-to-be’s itchy/stretch-mark-prone skin. Soothes and softens even very dry, atopic skin. Gentle-yet effective antibacterial disinfection and antioxidant benefits. For daily moisturizing, protection, itchy belly relief, and infant massage.
- Contains organic virgin coconut oil (because its fatty acids are native to skin, this oil is exceptionally soothing and effective as a moisturizer) + coconut-derived monolaurin (a very gentle-yet-powerful antibacterial disinfectant).
(My mom says she's never had stretch marks even after five kids, but there's no harm in slathering this on!)

Oil's Well Nurturing Do-It-Oil

- Prevents diaper rash. Soothing and moisturizing for bonding infant massages. Great for hair detangling and ouchless wound cleaning. It’s an oil-in-one must-have for moms and munchkins alike. Oil’s well that ends well. (Cute catch phrase! Plus I haven't been using conditioner on my hair because I can't stand the smell of strong hair products, so this would be perfect for detangling my hair!)

The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm

- Treats infections that can occur in skin damaged by eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes, wounds, cuts, grazes, insect bites, minor burns etc.
(This one I particularly like because I haven't really put any antibiotic on cuts and scrapes I've acquired during pregnancy! This is a life saver!)


Coo and Clean Baby Wash

- Formulated specifically for babies.
- This tender hair + body wash contains monolaurin for very gentle-yet-effective daily antibacterial protection (gentle as this Wash is, it’s a real clean) and green tea for antioxidant benefits.
- pH-Balanced so it’s both tear-resistant and exceptionally kind to even very sensitive, atopic skin.
- Sweetly yet thoroughly washes away dirt and build-up without drying out skin or hair.
- Rinses clean: leaves no harmful residue.
- For hair + body so it’s quicker and more convenient for busy parents or babies skeptical of baths.
(Can't wait to use this on our Little One! I just think this double duty hair and body wash is brilliant, less bottles to take up space in the bath too!)

Kid Gloves Monolaurin Hand Sanitizer

- To be used when handling young babies, baby’s things, or bottle / breastfeeding items, before performing first aid, or
when around the immuno-compromised.
- May also be used directly on baby’s hands + feet.
- Ideal for use in homes, nurseries, hospitals, clinics, daycare, schools, after play dates or visits to the doctor: any place or time where the spread of infection is a regular risk.
(Nobody touches our baby without using this ok?! Heehee!)

Oooh, I just love skin care lines, and I love it more when I know its something both mommy and baby can use! Daddy can share too of course! ;-)

If you'd like to try the Grandma Minnie Mom + Baby skin care line, I suggest you take advantage of the 20% off sale on VMV's Holiday Baby Bundle (pictured at the top of this post). It's a complete, travel-sized care set that includes all five products I've mentioned above. Not bad at $52 for the entire line (a $75 value), and it comes in a gorgeous box too! Anybody care to send me this? Hahaha!

Oh, and remember to visit the VMV site the whole month of March for Grandma Minnie's 1st year anniversary and watch out for special promos! I know I will! I've never been this excited for a skin care line the same way I can't wait to buy and use La Mer eye cream! Heehee!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Vote or the Pandas Will Attack!



Let's support fellow Filipino, graphic designer AJ Dimarucot whose t-shirt design with Japanese artist Jimiyo made it as finalist to THREADLESS DESIGN OF THE YEAR!



Sign up and place your votes here! Final round of voting ends 1/26/09 at 9:59am CST.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Sharing My OutfitS Day: Mad Woman

...at 19 Weeks

I woke up this morning feeling like I wanted to play dress up. For some reason, now that I'm pregnant, I've been wanting to wear heels, but Dear Hubby is discouraging me because I can be a klutz, and that plus me having the Little One is a teetering combination!

Have you seen the series Mad Men? It revived my love for '50s fashion. When I was little, I took great pleasure in looking at my grandmothers' photos wearing dresses with the poofiest skirts and frequently bugged my mom for a poodle skirt like those worn by girls in '50s period movies (not easy to find in the '80s haha!). I love old-ish clothes and I've been obsessed with the '50s housewife look for the longest time! Think full voluminous skirts and waisted dresses and all that fabric!

It might still be winter, but with the heater turned on, I thought I'd pull out my housewife-y clothes and wear heels, even just inside the house, and with nowhere to go really...

I bought the dainty printed fabric at Cotton Touch in Market Market, and had my Tita Au's seamstress sew 2 yards of material into this outfit -- which is actually a top and skirt that can be worn together as a dress or as separates.



This pintucked detail was inspired by a Chloe top I saw at net-a-porter...


I loved that shirt dress that Diane Lane wore in Under The Tuscan Sun. So when I saw my friend, designer Debbie Co-Teng, wearing a white shirt dress with a full skirt, I asked her to make one for me in brown and with side pockets...





Now this one is the most housewife-y of all I think! A vintage top from France, a vintage belt from my MIL, and a full skirt from H&M...


I wore it with a mustard cardigan from Madame à Paris - which can be worn like this...


...or belted like this...


Here's a detailed shot of the top...pretty no? Something my grandma would wear, heehee! And I love love love it!


Now this last piece isn't very '50s. After all, I got it from H&M back in October when I was going around The City (haha!) with Grace. But I like dainty floral prints and shirt dresses...




I concede, as much as I like dressing up like a housewife, I don't do a good job of ironing these clothes, as you can see from the close-up pics! Hahaha!

Mom, Dear Hubby, these are old shoes! And please understand, this is a fashion blog and I have to do the requisite close-up of shoes...

Left: nude wedges from Chloé, Right: wine pumps from Louboutin

Heehee!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Adidas Originals Turns 60!



Who would have thought huh? Adidas has managed to stay current, fresh and so very now, I never would have realized the ubiquitous 3-Stripes will be turning 60 this year!



Last week was the press con for the adidas Originals 6009 House Party, scheduled for February 27, 2009, 7pm at Embassy. The House Party will kick-start a year-long celebration of Originality. Four other countries - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore – will also host their respective local House Parties concurrently with Manila’s event.



At the House Party, guests will get to see the Spring/Summer collection Fashion Showdown featuring top models, style influencers, and celebrities who will show off "60 Years of Soles and Stripes" -- the anniversary range for both men and women, comprising of footwear and apparel products that have become timeless classic styles through the last six decades.

To get the party grooving, disco bunny and downtown NYC DJ Roxy Cottontail will be spinning behind the decks. This is one House Party you've all got to see!

For Spring/Summer 2009, expect the launching of different products. This includes the aforementioned anniversary range “60 Years of Soles and Stripes”, a Women’s Collection, and a new partnership with Italian pop icon scooter manufacturer Vespa.

Oh, and what's a celebration without a 20% discount on all adidas Originals products? For more details on the discount promo visit the adidas Originals Concept Store at Trinoma!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Ruffles Have Ridges

I'm freezing my ass off here, but all I can think about are dresses! I compiled a folder of photos of dresses that I adore from net-a-porter and then it struck me! Hey, there's a common theme here!

From D&G - classic and elegant, but with a little something something. I like!

From Diane von Furstenberg- Simple but with a statement!

From Juicy Couture - not my kind of color, and I would normally stay away from Juicy Couture (it's too California cutesy for me) but the ruffles look like so much fun! This would be great in another color, any color!

From Lover - I just love the little girl vibe coming from this dress! And those dainty ruffles down the front just adds the right bit of charm to it!

From Marc by Marc Jacobs - dark and edgy, but still girly!

From Paul & Joe Sister - this just looks so fun and fabulous! I'd feel like a blooming flower, and in a good way too!

From Temperley London - light and airy! But not too frilly!


You diggin' ruffles too?

(Photos from Net-a-Porter)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day

Because shopping during a recession is patriotic in its own way...

From J. Crew



From Nation Ltd.

Olay Regenerist Works!

When I was sent the beautifully packaged Olay Regenerist line from the folks at P&G by Campaigns PR (thanks Diet!) I couldn't persuade my mom to send it over to me here in the US. First, the line came with a pretty Aranaz bag and my mom has been buying Aranaz bags for the longest time. Whenever my dad had official visits to heads of state when he was in the military service, my mom would send him off with pretty beaded Aranaz bags to give to the wives! So yes, the wives of the Sultan of Brunei and the wife of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia have Aranaz bags in their closet!

Second, we've grown up with Olay. My Lola Imas used it exclusively, and while my mom would end up experimenting with various brands, Olay has been a constant on her beauty bureau. I happily gave the package to my mom for her to enjoy.

So when we got another package full of P&G goodies (Pantene, Head & Shoulders and Olay products), I told my mom to send it over to me, since my sister Trina will be coming over this February.



Guess what she tells me. She says, I should just buy here since I can get the same products here anyway. Then she goes on to share, that all her friends have complimented her on her skin and she generously parted with her secret -- it's all because she started using Olay Regenerist. So no, she will be keeping everything in the package for herself, jeez!

Well, when my mom won't give up something, not even for me - her first born, then it's proof that she's got something good! Hahaha! Thanks P&G and Campaigns PR!

Monday, January 19, 2009

The UNAROSA Clutch Collection



The first month of the year is almost over, but for sure, there still are places to go, and people to see for the rest of the year! Birthdays, parties, and celebrations call for dressing up and what better way to glam up an outfit than with a pretty clutch from Unarosa's Clutch Collection...


Slip On Clutch croc-P1,590
Slip On Clutch snake-P1,760
Slip On Clutch patent-P1,590


Wrist Clutch-P795


Bejeweled Clutch weave-P1,760
Bejeweled Clutch patent-P1,760


Classic Croc-P965

Available in UNAROSA Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, The Block and Shoppesville Greenhills

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Stephen Sprouse: Rock on Mars On The Radar!

If you haven't put your name down on the waiting list yet at Louis Vuitton for the second edition of the Graffiti collection, I suggest you start making your move to Sprouse up your bag closet!

If not, then just visit the Sprouse retrospective at Deitch Projects's Wooster Street Gallery should you be in New York from this month until the end of February 2009. Otherwise, just get yourself the Stephen Sprouse book, for $65 you've got something interesting to place on your coffee table!

Read all about my Sprouseian adventure here!



My editor Cecile says this story made it to the front page of the paper. Woot woo! Now I can say I've made it to the front page of a major daily! Heehee!

Thanks Grace for scanning this article! =)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

It's A Bird! It's A Plane! It's Both!



Dear Hubby and I live right by the Hudson. As in literally a stone's throw from the water. We wake up each morning to the sight of it, a calm and steady river occasionally punctuated by scenes of tugboats passing by, the NY Ferry ferrying commuters across, and jet skiers chasing after each other during the summer. When we walk by the river, we'd just normally see ducks, geese and sea gulls sunning themselves on the abandoned docks when there are no boats to watch.

It's always been uneventful really. Except for that one time when the Hudson receded and the water was so shallow that we could see the river bed for a good half a mile from the boardwalk. I told Dear Hubby, "What if there's a tsunami coming?" And I got really freaked out, not realizing tsunamis don't really happen in rivers haha.

Other than that, a major happening would really just be cruise ships coming to dock on the West Side Highway. I always hoped I would get to see something exciting happen on the Hudson. Well guess what! Apparently, a bird strike caused a US Airways plane to make an emergency landing on the Hudson at around 3 this afternoon. Just a few hundred feet away from our apartment!

Oh my! It's a good thing all passengers were able to leave the plane safely! The pilot and his crew really did an amazing job, it's nothing short of a miracle!



Up until this evening, ambulance trucks, police cars and news vans were at the ferry terminal still monitoring the scene. The residents in our area must have had quite a thrill seeing all these happening in our normally boring neighborhood!

Now I will never look at those birds by the river the same way again!

(Photos from Tama/Getty and Eric Thayer/Reuters)

Monday, January 12, 2009

The Almost Famous Sale!



ALMOST FAMOUS is located at
1H KENSINGTON PLACE CONDOMINIUM, 1st AVE. COR. 29th ST., BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, TAGUIG
(02) 856-7959
0917-5375629 / 0927-7970795
http://almostfamousstore.multiply.com

STORE HOURS:
Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays
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