I Heart Boots!

I know we dont' have autumn and winter seasons here, but I just had to share these gorgeous boots at Forever 21—limited stocks, BTW! So, best to visit the store tomorrow, because for sure, they're gonna be sold out pretty fast.

Great news: All boots are priced not more than P2200. Click on this link to find out what I bought, and our facebook fan page to check out what else is new. Remember, stocks don't last forever at Forever 21.


ATTENTION: SM Advantage Cardholders, you only have tomorrow to earn double your points with a minimum single receipt purchase.

A Night to Remembe

rIt takes a lot to convince me to go out at night and attend events, but I would never say no to a "Cary Santiago" show.  It was held last night at Marriot Hotel in Resorts World, and I rushed to the venue right after work.  The show was breathtaking, as usual!  Would love to write about it more, but I should get some sleep.  Here's a summarized version of the collection in "digital film."  Enjoy the video ;)

Chain Straps Get a New Look

Chain-strapped bags have stood the test of time, thanks to Coco Channel. From its inception in 1955, it has mutated into different styles. Its trademark chain strap has been adapted by other designers as well, which has been successfully incorporated into their own bag models.


One such younger brand is DKNY, who worked with a combination of chain and leather strap for a modern look. Not only is it more hip and contemporary, the mid-leather strap protects your shoulders from getting red marks caused by the chains. This happens a lot when you carry a lot in your bag.


So take your pick from DKNY’s fall 2010 accessories collections: men’s satchels with multi-pockets and bold hardware, and clutch bags made of croco, French grain leather bags and fabrics. All serve as double duty bags that can serve as clutch/shoulder bags, and satchel/sling bags.

 The classic dark brown urban fusion satchel comes with zipper pockets for easy storage.

This large clutch is roomy enough to fit in all your essentials. We love the uber-shiny gold hardware, too!

A red leather clutch bag is all you need to paint the town red.

*DKNY is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc (SSI) and is locateda t Greenbelt 4, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Makati, and 158 Designer’s Boulevard Alabang Town Center.


Photography by Aldwin Aspillera
Styled by Sidney Yap and Rachelle Que
Makeup by Paolo Maranan and Mayesa Delos Santos
Hairstyle by John Valle
Model: Analu of Mercator Models

Bargains in Bangkok part 2

Thank goodness for these complimentary carts that go around Chatuchak :o

Anyways, on to the clothes:

Looking at these photos makes me want to go back. But one trip is enough—for now :D

Have a great weekend :)

Bargains in Bangkok part 1

A Bangkok trip isn’t complete without a day spent shopping at Chatuchak (pronounced Jatujak). According to intro-asia.com, it has over 15,000 stalls with over 200,000 visitors each day whose total spending would reach up to 30 million baht, or approximately P45M (1 baht = P1.50). Foreigners and locals alike flock to this flea market hub as the place carries a wide range of good quality products at very competitive prices. Products are categorized and tenants have been organized to sell their wares by areas, making it very easy for us to scout for good finds. From furniture, to paper crafts, and silver ware, even puppies and pets—they have it all here. The prices are super affordable, and haggling is a breeze with nice and friendly Thai sellers. What more can you ask for?

Here are some of what Chatuchak has to offer:

paintings

brass pots

mini fountains

more cute paintings

hand painted sneaks and laptop table pads

shirts with artworks

laptop bags

organizers and bins made out of colorful straws

incense and aromatherapy products

faux flowers

craft paper

silverware

mini versions of food carts

adorable puppies

And this is just the first 45 minutes :o

Visit us again for parts two and three ;)

Bangkok Buys

Whenever I’m abroad, I always make it a point to avoid buying from brands that have already opened shops in the Philippines. Knowing you’ve bought something unique to the country’s culture and lifestyle is always a nice experience. You learn a little more of their style and preference with visits (and purchases) from their local stores.

And from my recent Bangkok trip, I have discovered quite a few new brands—all in one floor! I accidentally passed through Amarin Plaza (at BTS Chitlom) and found a whole area full of Bangkok’s very own fashion retail brands on sale.  The mall hosted at the first floor with top Thai designer brands participating, giving as much as 70% off.

It was love at first sight for me as I stepped into Issue. Known for its colorful ethnic prints, and geometric cuts, I believe the brand definitely mirrors that classy yet edgy Thai flavor.

Too bad Greyhound in Manila closed down. I guess Filipinos weren’t ready for the brand that time. Its androgynous designs are definitely appealing to those who have a preference for minimalist fashion.

/

Another brand that has an ethnic feel to its designs and prints is Theater. Staying true to Thai prints and fabrics, this brand goes from jewel-toned textiles to classic muted colors like blacks—all in shapeless styles that give off a Zen-feel.

Animal House offers generic shirts, cardigans and polos in muted colors, all stitched with animal (what else?) emblems. At 50% off, their shirts start from about 370 baht. Quite affordable, don’t you agree?

Mega Major!

Last Wednesday night didn't end at the Chalk party at Encore.  

Mega magazine also had a party in the area at Members' Only:

Bumped into model/stylist/makeup artist and now FASH host (in Lifestyle channel) Bianca Valero.  

She's a stunner, isn't she? :)

Went in to say hi to one of my very good friends, Suki Salvador, who used to be part of photographer Raymund Isaac's team.  

He's now with Mega Publishing as its Creative Director. So proud of him :)

On my way from the Chalk party to Mega's, I heard a lady call out my name. It was fashion blogger Kookie B. of deathbyplatforms.

She saw my shoes, and realized it was me. We've never met, so it was really nice to finally meet and have a photo op :) Plus, we're wearing the same pair, by the designer Nicole Puentavella who also has a blog called soulephenomenon. She has more designs up her sleeve, will share the deets when she's ready ;)

We were surrounded with so many stylish people, with very distinct styles. I admire their individuality and the confidence they exude.

Karl Leuterio of inkarlcerating

Jan with Nica

Stylist Angela Alarcon who's now with Mega

Sarah in Forever 21 leggings

Grab a copy of Mega Magazine's September issue to jump start your way to cool weather fashion ;)