Monday, November 30, 2009

Gate Crashing to the Highest Degree



If it was publicity the Salahis were after, then they got everyone looking and talking by getting past the Secret Service and crashing a party honoring the Indian Prime Minister at the White House no less! They took pictures with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, VP Joe Biden, White House chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel, and gasp! Even President Obama himself!



Michelle Salahi, half of the daring duo, is said to be up for consideration as one of the cast members of the Real Housewives of D.C. and it looks like she's lobbying hard to be a Housewife. After all, she's generated all this buzz for the show.

What really got me interested with all this brouhaha though is Erwin Gomez, the owner of the salon where she had her hair and make-up done. I've seen him interviewed on E! and I bet he's Pinoy! To be named Erwin and own a salon, it just has to be!

On a serious note, crashing the White House fete raises a lot of questions. What made the couple think they can do such a thing? How could such an embarrassing lapse in security happen? What will happen to the Salahis? Heads have rolled and will continue to roll when the investigation is finalized. In their quest for fame and money, it might have been a fun stunt for the Salahis, but they should be made to pay for their actions. Sure, their publicist denies they crashed the party. But the damage has been done. All that publicity might embolden shady characters. And that's not funny or amusing at all.

(Photos from newsinpictures.com)

Saturday, November 28, 2009

How Much Do I Love Thee?



Too much that I can't let go! My French Sole ballet flats have been around for so long, practically worn every day since they were bought years ago that I just can't bear to throw them out even if they are showing signs of extreme wear.

With the way these shoes have been battered, Jane Winkworth, French Sole's founder would be so proud! This is what she told Vogue UK about how French Soles should be - "They're supposed to be indolent and sexy, slopped down a bit at the back and a bit scuffed up from where you've whipped them off and stuffed them in your handbag."




Part of the reason why I want to keep them is sentimental. I've had so many adventures in these shoes. Worn daily to work (back when I was still a working girl in Manila), to a wedding in Summit, NJ, and soaked them in the rain filled streets of SoHo (it was soaked through, I was afraid it was going to disintegrate). I've worn these to shopping expeditions and museum crawls all over, the trusted shoe when I know I have to dress for comfort. I've bought other ballet flats since, from Repetto to Lanvin, but given that these are the cheapest in the lot, they sure are up to par when it comes to softness and style!

So what did I do? I repaired these myself! Afraid that the shoe repair guy might tell me to just buy a new pair. Or worse, charge me as much as the shoe costs! And I can't bear to hear that! Hahaha!


I used a black grosgrain ribbon that was used to package a perfume bottle to cover the frayed parts...


Now it looks like new! Well, sort of. Hahaha!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Pond’s Red Dress Collection



If you want to see the work of various Filipino designers in one show, it would have been the ultimate if you got to watch the first ever Pond’s Red Dress Collection, shown during Philippine Fashion Week at the Mall of Asia Atrium some weeks back.

Pond's marketing folks asked Manila's top designers to whip out couture confections in red, the main hue of Pond’s breakthrough anti-aging line – Pond’s Age Miracle.



Pond’s Senior Brand Manager Jacqe Yuengtian, Pond’s Assistant Brand Manager Simoun Ferrer and Pond’s Ambassador Rissa Mananquil


To prove the point that beauty lasts, thanks to Pond's Age Miracle, the key theme of the night was “Beauty At Any Age”. Designers' muses (of varying ages) came out in full force to show that beauty, indeed, transcends age. Some pieces from the show:

Vicky Herrera in an outfit by Jerome Salaya Ang.


Divine Lee in a gown by Charina Sarte.


Sarah Meier in a gown by Lizanne Cua.


Abby Arenas in a gown by Edwin Uy.


Patty Betita in a gown by Melvin Lachica.


Designers who participated:

Captivating Innocence: Jerome Lorico, Happy Andrada, Yako Reyes, Ciege Cagalawan, Arnold Galang, Nolie Vineza, Odelon Simpao, Roel Rosal, Veejay Floresca, Jerone Ang, and Delby Bragais

Fascinating Radiance: Charina Sarte, Ivarluski Aseron, Joey Samson, Louis Claparols, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Ziggy Savella, Michelle Lim, Jorge Palmos, Joel Escober, Bo Parcon, Chris Diaz, Alex Pigao, Marcy Rancy, and Lizanne Cua

Effortless Charm: Avel Bacudio, Jojie Lloren, Rhett Eala, Debbie Co, Aloida Cecilia, Melvin Lachica, Puey Quinones, Tina Daniac, and Edwin Uy

Exquisite Style: Randy Ortiz, Edgar San Diego, Junjun Cambe, Richard Papa, Sassa Jimenez, Simon Ariel Vaquez, and Eric Delos Santo

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thank You Time! Part 8

So delayed! But Thanksgiving is a good reminder that there's so much to be thankful for!

Thanks Aunt Audrey & Uncle AJ for Berry's googoo&gaga onesies!


For googoo&gaga's Facebook fans, have you noticed how cute the profile picture is on the fan page? Guess who that is! Heehee! (Stage mother in the making!)


Thanks Aunt Mari of Goody Two Clothes for Berry's pretty clothes! Moms and Aunts, if you love the clothes in Ruth & Esther in Rockwell, you will love buying clothes for your little girl from Goody Two! Mari's picks are always adorable!


Thanks Aunt Mawee for Berry's first high heels! We all got a good laugh from these Heelarious heels! Looks so funny! Of course, Angkong did not approve! So conservative naman Angkong!


Here's Berry mowdeling her denim dress from Goody Two and red heels from Heelarious for us!


Ok ba?! Hahaha!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Prepster DIY

Can you imagine a preppy, WASP-y jock doing something of the DIY variety?

Why not if it's of the Ralph Lauren RUGBY sort!


It doesn't need Ivy League brainpower and brawn too!

Step 1 - Take your pick from rugby shirts (of course!), cardigans, oxford shirts, even ties, hats & totes...


Step 2 - Style it with varsity letters or a patch, plus an embroidery of your name or initials...


Step 3 - The folks at Rugby stitch everything for you!


Here's what I made for myself - old school tradition cool with a subversiveness to it:


I put it in my shopping bag too! Now, if only I can hit the checkout and place order button!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Flavor of the Month

From what I have gleaned from your tips on what you want to see more of in this blog, there's a demand for outfit posts. As much as I love to dress up, I almost always have a uniform these days, hence the dearth in "sharing my outfit day" posts. Goodness knows, it should be a "sharing my outfit of the week (or month!)" now!

I know, eeewww!

But I usually just run out to do quick errands so I keep on repeating my clothes! Here'
s my flavor of the month:



Jeans: Gray zip leg skinny jeans from J Brand
Cashmere cardigan: J Crew
Army jacket: J Crew
T-shirt: Jimi Hendrix tee from Old Navy
Sneakers: Chuck Taylors

Got this vintage-y Jimi Hendrix tee from the men's section of Old Navy for only $10!



Love it! So rock and roll!



Incidentally, Jimi Hendrix was the visionaire who made military dress jackets of the Royal Hussar variety look so cool! Funny he has this fascination with military dress jackets (part of his fashion repertoire during his early days as a performer) when he was in fact asked to leave the army because he just wasn't cut out for it!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Baghag in Training

Today, Mom, Auntie Les and Berry went to TJ Maxx to scout for great deals. Berry saw this (okay, it was really Auntie Les & Mom)!



"How much is this?"
, Berry wondered. She looked at the price tag and saw it was $6.99. "This is quite reasonable. Too bad I forgot my wallet, I don't have any cash on me!"




"I hope Dada buys this for me when we come back. This tote looks so good on me! And it fits one diaper and a pack of baby wipes so perfectly! That way, Mom wouldn't have to bring a diaper bag. I can carry my stuff myself!"





"See?"

Look Who's Back! K-Swiss Returns

Remember this? I had one back when I was 12 or 13 and I remember it was practically a must have! Girls in school who first wore Tretorns graduated to K-Swiss when everyone started wearing Tretorns. Snobs start early no?



Then Cole Haan and Bass loafers became the next big thing and sneakers just weren't cool anymore. I remember my best friend Nina and I used our K-Swiss insoles to make our loafers much more comfy! Yeah, I still remember how comfy those blue insoles were!

Well whatevs, guess what! K-Swiss is back! The classic white ones plus a couple more new designs!

"A brand known for innovation, quality, performance, and style, K-Swiss is integrating the classic look with contemporary touch to suit the new generation’s taste in apparel. Just think K-Swiss Classics. First introduced in 1966, this K-Swiss signature design with its characteristic five stripes and the D-rings still holds that elegant and fashionable imprint 40 years later. A timeless piece that represents style, authenticity, and individualism, the K-Swiss Classics has transcended from being the first leather tennis shoe to being a fashion staple both on and off the court.

Joining the Classics is the entry of the Surf and Court design, another timeless offering that complements K-Swiss’ originals collections. The Surf and Court design is sure to style women up anytime, anywhere. With its nautical classic design, soft full-grain white leather, and nautical stitching, Surf and Court epitomizes the elegance of the K-Swiss sailing shoe. Heritage K-Swiss details like the iconic five stripes, D-rings, and discreet script are likewise included in this design.


K-Swiss also touches on performance in its 2009 lineup. Runners may want to check out K-Swiss’s K-Ona model. Its 9 oz. ultra-light, stable running shoe with its exceptional cushioning makes it a perfect partner for training, road races, and triathlons. They may also want to try out K-Swiss Run One miSOUL Tech model. A versatile running shoe that features a modular, interchangeable sole system engineered for customized performance.




Completing the lineup is K-Swiss Grand Court, an athletic-inspired shoe made with a fashionable design. It features wider stripes on the side and the classic K-Swiss elements plus synthetic leather upper and a rubber sole.

Check out the Classics and the new K-Swiss designs. Now available at all Planet Sports outlets, Athletes Foot stores, and Olympic Village stores nationwide."

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thanks For Your Donations!

Dear Abby, Donna W., Melizza F., Me-an A., Pamela P. and Pilar Z.,

I just wanted to let you know that your donations for the babies back home have been received!



Read all about it here at Chuvaness =)

Thanks again for your concern and generosity! It takes time, money and effort to prepare the items, pack and send it and I know that you are all busy moms trying to juggle work and housework! Stay blessed and God bless you more!

Drop Dead Diva on QTV

There's another series to watch out for! The story of a model who dies and finds herself in the body of a workaholic lawyer. Not that that bothers her. The lawyer is a size 16. Get the drift? Vain, ditzy blond trapped in a smart brunette's body makes good comedy as she discovers there's more to life, now that she's living a second life.

The Philippines is the 1st in Asia to launch the show, Drop Dead Diva. It starts airing on Dec.4, Friday 8:30pm on QTV.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

VMV on Facebook

Want $150 worth of goodies from VMV? It's so easy! Just be the 1500th fan on Facebook and you instantly get a $150 shopping spree!



That's a lot of Booboo Balms and Armada sunscreens!

Thanks Everyone and Congratulations AngelaL!

Thanks so much to all of you dear readers who joined my book giveaway! Your inputs and insights are much appreciated! With your tips in mind, I promise to give more of what you would like to read here. This blog will get better thanks to your help!

And to AngelaL! It sure was your lucky day! Heehee! Email me at manilafashionobserver@gmail.com and let me know which book you want, along with your contact information (email, address, and phone number)!

Oh, and because I am so happy with all of your suggestions, everyone who left comments in my birthday post must watch out for my Christmas/New Year giveaway! I'm doing a raffle amongst you, and 5 of you will get something special from me! ;)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

You Know She's A Little Bit Generous

It's my birthday today and instead of receiving, I'm in the mood to give!

I love to read, and I especially love to collect fashion books. So as my "birthday gift", I'm giving one lucky reader, a book of your choice!



I love The Teen Vogue Handbook, just because fashion industry legends - designers, journalists, stylists, models and photographers share how they broke into the industry, while pointing out tips on how to succeed! They don't sugarcoat it too. They have no qualms explaining how they worked their way up or from nowhere. Very inspiring! They also divulge little stories and tidbits of info I have never read anywhere else. It's practically a road map for young people who want to know how they can get into fashion.

The Sartorialist is another favorite, and it needs no explanation. The easy access, old-fashioned way to get to the looks you love from the site, any time, any where.

So, how does this go? Simple! Be the 33rd (because I am now officially 33 !) reader to answer these questions:

1. How long have you been reading this blog?
2. What do you like about this blog?
3. What topics would you like to read more of here?

Entries should all be in the comments section. I will ship to anywhere in the world! (For readers based in the Philippines, I will ship through Johnny Air, just to make sure it gets to you!)

UPDATE: One entry per reader only. If you leave more than 1 comment, I will only count the first comment =)

Friday, November 06, 2009

Looking For A Happy Home

When I buy something, it's always because I really want it. But sometimes, as much as I love my purchases, they don't always get the love they deserve because I hardly get to wear them. I put up some of my things up on ebay, maybe some of you will be happy to give these a happy home?



Thursday, November 05, 2009

Mystery Solved!

Jen O, we've got to say thanks to Jeffrey, Anonymous & Ano Ni Moose for all their help! Karen's gown is by Francis Libiran, the same gown Rica P. wore to the Star Magic Ball!

I love it that you know all these things! Jeffrey was so fast in solving the mystery too! Such good eyes! You all are amazing! Thanks so much!!!



(Photo from stylebible.ph)

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Me Love You Long Time

I think this 3.1 Phillip Lim sequin tuxedo jacket is a closet classic that will have lots of ooomph for years to come. I want!!!



I would totally wear it the way Rachel Zoe does.


I think I'm gonna go bananas!!!

(Photos from net-a-porter.com, nitrolicious.com)

Style SOS: Lovers in Paris

Hi Christine,

I'm a big fan of your blog, it provides loads of inspiration for me. I've been following it for a few years now. I'm a Filipina but I was born in US. Your blog is a great source for Filipino fashion. I love knowing what's going on at home. I actually have a question for you, I was wondering do you happen to watch Lovers in Paris? There is this dress that Karen wears in the episode that aired on 10/26/09, a cream floor-length? Here's a clip (at 7:56):




I was wondering do you know who made it and if it was by a Filipino designer?

Best,
Jen


Dear Jen,

Thanks so much for your email! I am very happy to keep you in the loop as to what's going on back home. You actually are more updated than I am when it comes to Pinoy shows! About your question, I actually like the gown myself too and would love to know where it's from! I did a bit of sleuthing but with a lack of Philippine fashion magazines here, I have decided maybe the folks back home can help us.

So please! Any one out there who can tell us who made Karen's dress? Here are the details! Maybe a kind reader knows someone who does the styling for the show? =)






Any leads would be much appreciated! =)
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