Wow, of all the things. Looks like beauty brand Bobbi Brown and local flava Aranáz do some major quid pro quo-ing during the holidays: a brand spankin’ new Copper Diamond Aranáz clutch (si, inspired by Bobbi’s makeup collection of the same name) is free for people who buy something from the Copper Diamond Collection, and vice versa (read: buy a purse, get the makeup free). It seems like you’re rewarded either way, whether beauty or fashion is your weapon of choice.
We couldn’t help but pick faves from the Aranáz Copper Diamond Collection. The Encrusted Purse (left), a metal-and-Swarovski confection, is the epitome of holiday party-ready; the Pleated Diamond Purse (also available in silver and matte gold) is ab-fab equestrienne chic; 
and the Copper Diamond Red Carpet Bag is, well, precisely for those moments you feel like strutting down a (somewhat imaginary) catwalk. Stalk your friendly neighborhood Aranáz boutiques to join in the mutual admiration madness.
It’s becoming a new addiction of mine.
I’ve always loved people-watching and just checking out what people wear and how they style themselves. It’s the best way to get tips really!
Anyhow, I’ve discovered the wonderful world of wardrobe blogs. The young and the stylish don’t rant and rave about the daily humdrum of their lives (or they do but just a little bit). They prefer to document their daily outfits. Love it!
Take Joanna Ladrido, who’s graced our headline for Trendspotting: Statement Necklaces.
Style Bible Ed Assistant Bernice Bautista actually found this photo in Joanna’s blog on Chictopia. (Click here to see her blog.) It’s an international site that’s specifically designed for wardrobe blogging. You can even vote for your favorite outfits. I like getting a peek into the process Joanna goes through in putting together an outfit.
Her recent outfits have been inspired by randomly selecting songs from her iPod. Hence the lyrics in her posts. Click on the photos to enlarge.
Another favorite is seaofshoes.com. Though she’s only in high school, Jane Aldridge has such a finely tuned sense of style and fashion.
A recent collage image she created. Her photo is on the lower left.
Not only does she post what she’s wearing today, she also blogs about favorite fashion stories and her current mood boards. She regales her readers with photos of her fashion finds, whether she scores them from thrifting, eBay, or designer boutiques. Her mom makes regular appearances as well and it’s clear where Jane gets her love of fashion from. What intrigues me most is her love for shoes and she regularly photographs herself inside her shoe closet, amidst her sea of shoes.
Random photos lifted from her blog. The first and fourth photo were from her current trip to NYC and the second was from an entry before leaving for Mexico. She knows how to travel in style.
Lastly, the camera-shy and the more artistic can wardrobe blog a different way–by sketching themselves in their outfits.
On the left is model-y Mo and on the right is quirky Minikille.
The Mo & Minikille Dressing blog is the project of a fashion designer named Monica who draws 2 different personas dressed coolly in what could be real or aspirational wardrobes.
I love how all the little dressing details are labeled right by the avatars.
Lastly is Fifi Lapin. It’s not quite a wardrobe blog but there’s something fun about seeing a bunny dressed in designer clothing.
Fifi wearing Luella.
Fifi in Sonia Rykiel.
Fifi in Valentino.
She’s even been featured in Vogue Australia.
You can actually purchase her drawings, prints, and tees online at the Fifi Lapin Shop.
If you’ve got a wardrobe blog or know of other cool sites, please send me the URL. I’d love to check it out.
Isha.
*Gasp*. Yes, it’s an update, folks. Blame the cuh-raziness of events these past two weeks. Which, unfortunately, has brought on Wave #2 of current Under Weather State, but I digress.
Last night was the official press launch of superstar anti-aging wonder line Olay Regenerist, and they finally unveiled their newest ambassadress. The first thing that came to mind when the lovely (and by lovely, I mean take-a-stab-at-my-self-esteem-why-don’t-you, even-more-ridiculously-stunning-in-person gorgeous) Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez took her place among the other Olay veterans like Daphne Oseña-Paez and Isabelle Daza was, “Took them long enough!” ‘Cause seriously, if she doesn’t convince you to have what she’s having, then no one else will.
Buzz-worthy Regenerist is supposed to mimic — if not surpass — the effects of having laser treatments on your face. Big words? Then keep in touch, girls, for we shall dissect it in next week’s beauty feature. In the meantime, see you in the forums, and let’s discuss.
Better late than never I suppose. The Holidays have really been hectic.
So I was on the phone with Ivar (My Misteress! Our contraction for a male mistress.) the other day talking about his gorgeous collection for Fashion Watch. He asked if I had back shots of the models from the show. I realized that a lot of the press for the show only featured (naturally) frontal photos of the clothes. However, the drama took place at various angles for each of the dresses. (Click on the image to enlarge)
This halter dress worn by Joan Bitagcol is deceptively simple in front but structurally exciting at the back. The suspended flap gives the image of a drawbridge being lowered revealing the spot of lace beneath.
No, the dress isn’t ill fitting, as I thought on first glance. The straps are really meant to hover above the shoulders. He first did this in 2004 for a show for Alliance Français wherein they were asked to interpret a French short Film into fashion. That collection was inspired by a short film by wunderkind designer, Martin Margiela.
The lace tees that were constructed into the garment masked how revealing the dresses really were. Note the paneling in this tee that seems to mimic the blocking of stained glass. It’s cool how one white zipper strip crosses the back breaking the monotony of black.
The peplum of this bustier only extended outwards from behind. From the side, it almost seemed like she was riding on horseback.
Ivar asked client Gretchen Barretto to model for him that day. It’s interesting to see the natural beauty wearing the couture-ish dark lip and eyes that Patrick Rosas and his team planned for that day.
Having just designed a collection for Folded & Hung, Ivar also made use of the brand’s coming footwear for his Fashion Watch show. The platforms should be in stores soon.
In hindsight, I really should have taken more photos at all angles. Sigh! These clothes deserve to be seen up close so I do recommend having a look-see.
Isha.
A friend of mine was talking about this grand idea for a bazaar a few months ago. Here I was thinking it would get drowned out in the sheer number of bazaars this season but I think his concept’s pretty unique.
Clickon the images to enlarge.
The Big Outlet Sale 2008 is perhaps the answer to Christmas shopping (for gifts and for yourself, admit it!) during this time of credit crunches and economic downturns.
Debehanms, Marks & Spencer, Giordano, 9 Months from House of Laurel, Beauty Products from Rustans Marketing, select fragrances from Lux Asia, Chocolate Clothing Company, Salsa Trends, Peridou, Ray-ban, and Ferragamo eyewear are some of the fashiony labels that will be going on super sale this weekend.
It’s a liquidation sale of sorts and all participants are selling at a minimum of 30% off the usual tag price. (Some are practically giving stuff away with an 80% discount.) I personally love sorting through sale racks. I’m a sucker for a bargain.
The good news is that this is probably the one shopping event to which your beau won’t mind tagging along. Check out all the gadget and sportswear brands that are part of it. (Click the image above to enlarge.)
It’s not in the usual bazaar venues so here’s a map to the Mega Tent. Tessa Prieto-Valdes will be cutting the ribbon to start the event at about 10:30am tomorrow. Best to hurry while stocks last.
Isha.
Rosanna Ocampo has been one of my bestest friends since high school and she’s come a long way from doodling the dresses we planned to wear to Prom and everyone’s debuts. (I actually still have those sketches, being the sentimental packrat that I am.)
Anyhoo, Last Saturday was her second trunk show since she moved back to Manila from Milan in 2007. Let me tell you, if there’s one thing I can say about Sanns, she knows how to throw a party (hence the penchant for making awesome party dresses). From about 3:30pm to 8:00 in the evening, we were not only shopping, but we were indulging in cosmos, lychee martinis, mojitos, and glasses of sangria. Best way to shop, I must say.
So here are my favorites:
The lace is actually a deeper wine color in person. I love the simplicity of the dress. It’s so richly sexy.
The fabric and style are so young and fun. Gold chains drop down the back to toughen it up a bit.
“I love this dress! I feel like a tulip when I wear it,” said Rosanna when she showed it to me. Silly, silly! But it’s the one frock that will let you eat as much as you want for the Holidays.
I saw her wear this jacquard shift at Members one night and it must be said…so short! However, it doesn’t actually look scandalous when worn. It’s very tasteful. She called it a Jackie O. phase. Um. Hahaha!
Rosanna’s fabric of choice is jersey and it’s quite amazing what she does with it. The ruching that crosses the front of this dress has become a bit of a trademark for her.
I was astounded when I saw this dress. The mix of draping and ruching and little covered buttons gave it the right mix of texture. Don’t be daunted by it’s strange shape on the hanger. It’s gorgeous when worn.
I know it looks a tad navy-ish in this photo but it’s actually black. This one hit my soft spot for lace and a bit of sparkle.
I happened to arrive while she was still setting up and she gave me a quick tour of her newly decorated space.
The steel mesh chairs are by Ann Pamintuan. The painting is a piece her parents bought a long time ago. They found it tucked away in storage.
The viewing mirror has an abbreviated catwalk/pedestal.
Rosanna looking right at home in her new meet-and-greet space.
She’s really come along way in the span of just a year. If you’d like to get your hands on one of her fab party frocks click here to see Rosanna’s contact information in the Designer Directory.
Congratulations dearie!
Isha.
This was the tagline that got my attention actually.
I ventured into my first bazaar for the season last Saturday and the coolest item I found was this set of pouches meant to take the place of conventional gift-wrappers.
Christmas pouch, P200 for a set of 3.
I tend to leave wrapping gifts, and shopping for that matter, to the last minute. I’ve also always had issues about what a waste of paper it really is. You exert so much effort into creating this perfectly pretty package that you know is going to get ripped and tossed at the end of the day. My friend Monique has actually devised a way to wrap an entire gift using 3 strips of tape, keeping wastage to a bare minimum.
Anyhow, back to the subject of my entry.
So I think these Christmas pouches are perfect for 3 awesome reasons.
1. They’re reusable!
Ok the Captain Planet in me is all about recycling. I’m sure you’ve all recycled gifts at some point. This time, you can recycle the wrapper. To borrow from a friend’s fruitcake experiment, mark it and see how long it takes to get back to you. Teehee!
2. They’re pretty!
The fabric used is festive already so you don’t need to add anymore bells and whistles. Of course, you can twist a sprig of holly or Christmas berries onto the ribbon to liven it up all the more.
Christmas berries, P30-P50 each depending on size.
3. They’re perfect for irregularly shaped objects!
I like giving clothes or random cute stuff that don’t always come in easy to wrap boxes. This pouch looks way cooler than the usual alternative, the paper bag. It makes it look like you put a lot of effort into wrapping the gift when in fact, you probably just packed the whole thing en route to the party.
They come in a set of 3 (S-M-L). To order, contact Corito Chuidian at 0917-8963609.
Happy wrapping!
Isha.
I received the most fantastic thing in the mail the other day.
U.S.-based Anna Magsaysay Rosete sent me a message over email telling me about her cousin Ramona Magsaysay Alampay Boucher. Her cousin is the jewelry designer behind the brand Bastion by RM Boucher. (http://www.houseofbastion.com/)
Remember that very important scene in Sex and the City the Movie where Samantha (Kim Catrall‘s character) bids up to $50,000 for a flower ring?
A photo of Samantha bidding for the prized flower ring in Sex and the City the movie. Screen capture taken from http://www.sexandthecitymovie.com/.
Well how cool is it to find out that a Filipina designed THE ring.
Up-close and personal with the Bastion by RMBoucher floral ring covered in pavé diamonds. Photo taken from the blog of Anna Magsaysay Rosete.
Apparently 7 other pieces from her collection made their debut in the movie as well.
According to Anna, her cousin has “actually been designing jewelry for a very long time now. Her clientele includes the likes of Elizabeth Taylor. She has been featured in numerous design magazines, European and American, but I don’t think anyone knows she’s Filipina because of her married last name. “
Click here to read Anna’s full write-up on Ramona Boucher.
Curious, as I have to admit to a fondness for flower rings, I had to check out Bastion’s official site. I love, love, love the elaborate pieces inspired by creepy critters. (Click to enlarge photos.)
An octopus ring that’s probably covered in black and white diamonds and blue sapphires. It’s cool how the tentacles seem to wrap around your finger.
Isn’t it fun how the spider appears to hold that generous rock in place? I love the detail-work on the legs.
Flower + critter = a really cool cocktail ring.
I think these elephant rings are darling. Don’t they say that it’s good luck if the trunks face upwards?
She has several other beautiful pieces in classic cuts and lattice designs, all covered in semi-precious stones and diamonds.
Guess what else I found on the site…Shoes! I know I’m incorrigible but the platforms are quite something. And i found them just as we released the article on super-platforms (Click here to go to the Personal Stylist article)
J’adore! I’ve always felt that it was impossible to find a pair of silver wedges that didn’t look cheap or too futuristic. The raffia-ish texture gives this pair a nice earthy feel. I’d love to wear it with a cool white sundress.
Another set of statement Mary Janes for my wish list. look at the height on these!
This looks like a pair I’d see on Jak & Jil blog. I like how the lining is made of a different skin. Do you think it’s safe to wear it unzipped to show that part off? Probably not. It would have looked cool though.
Perhaps it’s her background as a sculptor and industrial designer that has led her towards larger-than-life designs. As Renee says, these “Rock my Socks.”
Bravo Filipino!
Isha.
P.S.
I really love receiving little news bits from all of you. Feel free to email me your fashion insider tidbits at editors@stylebible.ph.
I have to say that this was probably one of his best collections to date. (All the sound bites I heard post-show, which included remarks from Inno Sotto, Robby Carmona, and Preview‘s Liz Uy, were unanimous in saying it was superb)
It’s All in the Details
I’ve been working with Joey and having dresses made by him since I started working at Preview back in 2002. I always love hearing about the development stages of his collections pre-show.
Click on the photos to enlarge.
He always manages to incorporate an element of men’s wear into his lady-like pieces. (Click here to see his tux-inspired bridal gown.) He has a funny way of tying a bow-tie, (he tought me how to do it recently) keeping it roughly done and askew, which adds that imperfect charm to a polished get-up.
Lace-ups, custom-made by Janilyn.
Joey went through 3 studies for the footwear for his show. I got the chance to see his sketches a few months ago. He wanted it to have a casual feel to off-set the edgy formality of his pieces. Luckily, his shoe sponsor, Janilyn, was able to produce all the shoes in time for the show. I’ve already placed one on hold for myself. I just hope he has my size.
I’ve always loved the way he manages to take a tailored men’s piece and rework it into a women’s garment. He’s made skirts out of vests and jacket sleeves, wraps out of trousers. For this dress, he seems to have reversed a jacket using the lapels as straps at the back. Nice touch.
My picks from the collection: a webbed dress with a bustier top; a pink brocade sheath whose overcoat is lined with a striking fuchsia; and the bondage dress worn by Angel Aquino.
Show Specs
My current footwear fetish: spectators.
Joey and I all matched-up at his show.
Kat Dy, Cosmopolitan‘s Fashion Editor, in a cool pair of peep-toe lace-ups from Ilaya.
Click here to check out complete photos of the show.
Isha.
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