StyleBible.ph

Last Saturday was the launch of my good friend’s bar, Attica. I pretty much expected the usual throng of Manila socialites — or “social heights,” according to a friend, a phrase that has now become my favorite of the moment — celebrities, reality stars, ballers, shotcallers, those big in Japan, and those trying hard to make it big anywhere. Ooh, and MTV.

The attire was modern Victorian, or something, and more or less everyone showed up channeling their version of romantic goth, i.e. black, lace and sky-high heels. Chanel, boots and vamp nail polish were ubiquitous as well.  A couple of partygoers were in black tights, tight pencil cut skirts and corsets, which proves that local fashion is indeed en pointe, regardless of our boring seasons.

The boyfriend and I enjoyed free-flowing drinks for the majority of the night, and most kids feasted on Chef Rolando Laudico‘s (of Bistro Filipino fame) yum-o tapas and took full advantage of the photo wall to showcase their versions of period-piece wear, Pinoy-style.

Check out Attica Bar and Lounge at A.Venue Hall, Makati Avenue for a classy good time. I hear ’90s hip-hop nights are in the works, too — can’t wait to get some Biggie ear candy. Congrats, Hans!

Eunice

I love finding beauty bargains–they make me feel strangely accomplished and proud, like I’m in on a secret (and that I’ve just one-upped the world, even with something as globally inconsequential as, say, fig-scented linen spray). And since I’m constantly bombarded with beauty products escalating in their extravagance and on the constant quest to outdo each other in fabulosity, I sometimes reach a point of saturation where each lip gloss is just as nude and shiny and blah as the 247 others before it. So when I come across a tried-and-true that won’t break the bank, yes, I am indeed ecstatic.

A makeup artist and good friend of mine (names withheld to protect the uptight) clued me in to Ever Bilena’s Color Pencils, P55, and divulged that it was a staple in her kit (ed’s note: I snoop inside, and true enough, there it lay, worn to a stub.). I tried it and was blown away by the results–such integrity, such smudgeability, for something that cost just over a dollar. My favorite way to wear it: fully rimming the upper and lower lashlines, and then topped with a metallic gold pencil. The effect is pure Alberta Ferreti at the A/W 2008 runways, very reluctant beauty.

Try it! Check out their other budget steals while you’re at it; the best thing about beauty is that its brandless when worn.

Eunice