Celebrating Style

Blog surfing is something most of us do on a daily basis. And that keeps up the pressure on bloggers to produce more exciting material for their readers. One blog that has positively touched the lives of its readers is by Jenni Epperson. More than her regular posts on style and trend updates, she reveals another side of her life as a loving mom and wife who makes easy-to-cook, gourmet-looking entrees for her family. She tops it off by sharing food styling and table setting tips to make family meal times extra meaningful.

Epperson declares that fashion and food “are my two passions.” “Ever since, I have been part of and deeply in love with the fashion industry,” she says. “Since I’ve had a family, cooking for them has become my way of showing my love and had also become a release. I also believe that these two are close to every modern woman’s heart.”


It seems that I am not the only one who loves getting to know this motherly side of Epperson, which led to the birth of her Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food book. “I have always dreamt of writing my own book, but really knowing what to write was what held me back. After my blog took off, I realized how many people out there have the same desire to make everyday celebrations more memorable. This became the focus of my book,” she adds.





Each section of the book is presented with a handpicked theme by the author, providing décor suggestions, easy to cook recipes by the Epperson family (yes, even her daughter Aryanna cooks!), table setting tips and outfit recommendations to make celebrating occasions extra special.


Exclusively for Style Kit, Epperson shares with us her special fashion + food memories; plus tips for celebrating the holiday season:


Style Kit: What is your most memorable celebration?
Jenni Epperson: My daughter Aryanna's first birthday was the most memorable one. It was the first big event for my family and I wanted it to be very personal and special so I didn't hire a party planner. It was simple and intimate, and to top it off, I also invited a nearby orphanage to join in the celebration. It became the start of many successful memorable parties I hosted for my family years later, and it was also a way of giving back.


SK: What is your favorite occasion/holiday and why?
JE: Date night! Many would say something more generic, but date night is a beautiful occasion to prepare, and it's also very random. You can do it out of celebration for any event, like an anniversary, but you can also just decide to give your partner a treat! It helps make the fire of love stronger between couples!


SK: What is your favorite dish to cook and why?
JE: In my book I made a super simple shrimp scampi pasta that can pass as a "fancy" meal but trust me it was super easy and super yummy! That's my thing—it has to be easy to whip up because the modern woman doesn't have much time to spare!


SK: Can you share with us at least five hosting tips for the holidays?
1. Think of new gift-giving ideas. If you're planning to throw a party, make a different version of secret santa by putting in a theme like "must have for the year ahead" or "reminders of the year that has passed.” Play around with nostalgia and memories, it always makes for an awesome get-together.


2. Don't sweat the prep. It's your celebration just as anyone else’s, so don't try to do it all on your own! Get the whole family to help by delegating. It also strengthens the bond.


3. Go for colors or metallic hues! Whether it's for your fashion or table setting, these two styles make maximum impact with minimal effort. It's also the perfect fashion palette this holiday season! Try sapphire, ruby or emerald colors and mix them up with neutrals!


4. Scared of holiday fat? Go the extra mile and research healthier recipe alternatives so that your food can taste the same but be less guilty.


5. Make a new tradition. Whether it's making a personal and unique decor for the tree or whipping up a signature cookie recipe, find a new tradition that you can do in the years to come.


* Jenni Epperson Fashion + Food features photography by Tom Epperson, book design and layout by Dix Perez and illustrations by Soleil Ignacio and Kris Abrigo. It is exclusively available at National Book Store and Powerbooks. Visit www.JenniEpperson.com for more fashion + food tips.

Fierce at Fifteen

I barely made it to the Metrowear show last week. Looking for parking was hard, lining up to get in was even harder. The humid weather didn’t help, too!  But, despite all these, everyone (including me) was in good spirits and looking forward to the show that awaited us.

Last year’s Metrowear gave me a sensory overload of sights and sounds worthy of a concert. Thanks to famed fashion director Robby Carmona, who brought in live music via choral group, singers, and even a violinist.  “Of course, there will be a comparison with all we did last year... this even should be better than last year, no less.  It’s a perfect collaboration... Metro and us both share ideas to make it truly memorable for everybody,” shares Carmona.

And it was, indeed, another night to remember, with three established groups celebrating their 15th anniversary: Young Designers’ Guild (YDG), the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Carmona’s company, Saga Events.

Although the waiting time was pretty long—there were so many awards by the sponsors that I stopped counting—the first collection by YDG made up for it. The group’s president, Louis Claparols, wowed the crowd with tribal-Aztec meets spacegirl outfits. His gown, as worn by model Girlie Benitez, and a body-con cocktail dress, as modeled by actress Maricar Reyes, are tops on my list.

Regine Dulay’s dresses were all about ropes and knots, in different color combinations, 
that give a modern and ethnic feel.  I wonder how long it took him and his staff to make them. 

Eric delos Santos went for rugged with his choice of knitted fabrics in multi-hued blues. 
His trademark drapes in unexpected places are always a pleasant surprise. 

Ferdie Abuel worked with a single shade of muted mocha, highlighting it 
with pleated drapes and twists that showcased modern femininity with a bit of fun flavoring. 

Of course, who could ever forget the late Brian Leyva’s exceptional work?  The group’s exhibit ended with Grace Tagle walking out in 
Leyva’s creation of the terno suit, made with one-centavo coins.  Amazing work that we hope will inspire a new breed of designers.

As expected, live music was a staple as provided by electro-punk rock band Pedicab, DJ duo The Diegos for the YDG. For the second set, Jet Pangan and The Philippine Opera Company gave the musical “backdrop” for the FDCP with Vic Barba opening in his collection of metallic bronze, pleated, shift dresses, with matching bronze-colored hi-cut sneaks. Known for structured suits, JC Buendia surprised us with a pair of loose jersey pants that’s appropriate for both corporate wear and nights out. His all-white ensemble, with white sequined hot pants, is a keeper, too!

Ivarluski Aseron challenged himself with soft cut fabrics this time, placing them in strategic places 

that offer a fluttering movement that’s delicately graceful; 

while OJ Hofer went for sexy seduction in 

a white, leopard-print, floor-length dress with power shoulders.

Jojie Lloren ended the show with little black dresses embroidered with roses, 

evoking a dark, Oriental feel.

With over a hundred creations that night, both the YDG and the FDCP proved that Philippine fashion is getting better and reaching world-class distinction.  Thanks to Metro magazine, who “has always been the venue for designers to show what we have to offer as individuals to the public,” shares FDCP board member Len Nepomuceno-Guaio.  Cheers to YDG, FDCP and Saga Events!

Photos by Charanza Billoflores

Penguin Attendees

Arrived really late at the Penguin event last night at the Rockwell tent, but I decided to stay to catch up with friends and colleagues.

Here are Mai Kaufman with Rima Otswani, having their photo taken on this cool vespa ;)  

Oh, and check out Mai's skycraper lucite platforms!!!

So glad to have bumped into Bambi Hernandez (who did the voice over for the show)

and Judah Paolo who's wife is giving birth real soon.

Childhood buddy Jefifi Wong came in this sleek lightweight Penguin jacket

Seems like I wasn't the only who was late hihi... Tim was as well.

Lovin' the new 'do!

On my way out, I found this ol' Volkswagen van with a display of Penguin items.



How cute, don't you agree? :)



Will do a post on Penguin's latest offerings soon! :D

Bootie Blowout

I've always been fascinated with boots. I couldn't care less that we live in a tropical country, and I sure am glad booties are so hot right now :) Anyways, here are some shoes that I'm eyeing...

I like the zipper detail. I "think" they can be unzipped and turn into ankle boots.

Gladiator + studs = tough chick

thigh high boots—sweet!

matte wooden platform heels + shimmer leather = casual luxe

(okay, okay, they're not booties, but I still like them)

white + booties = perfect for summer!

grey works well for both winter and summer outfits

black peep-toe sling back versions can be worn for summer, too!

purple is a refreshing option

lovin' the bubble-esque embossed heel; would look good when paired with skinny jeans or leggings

a great mix of everything metallic

mary janes just got sexier!

a new look at stilettos

mesh is so very in trend now

this pair is so space age in design—fascinating!

Anything pink makes me giddy, and this pair? drool! ;P

Sexy dominatrix—I love!

Metallics in all forms—FTW!

Strappies take on a whole new level

So many, right? There's more in their multiply and facebook pages—I don't even know where to start :o Even better news is that they're all on sale!

Got this post from HOUSE OF HIGH HEELS:

SUPERSALE!!! the obscenely large summer shoe sale, just got bigger! 3000 for high heels, 3500 for boots + FREE SHIPPING. All imported from Los Angeles, California, shipped thru usps (air cargo); waiting time 7-9 business days. Call or text for faster transaction +63917 9098923. NO RETURN NO EXCHANGE POLICY FOR SUPERSALE!

For more designs (both on sale and new arrivals), click on this link.

Shades On Sale

the BIGGEST BRANDS.
the HOTTEST STYLES.

at SUPER SLASHED PRICES!
up to 70% OFF!

Get additional 10% off the sale price when purchasing with your BDO credit cards*

Weekend Bazaars

Why don't you head out to these spots for some unique shopping experience tomorrow? :) I know, I will! Click on the photos to zoom in on the deets...

Enjoy the weekend and happy shopping, everyone :)

Theodore's New Home

After the holiday hiatus...

Theodore's is now open again—at a new location.

They sent me their very first batch of stylized photos (with their latest collection).

Visit their new location at:

G/F 106 Carlos Palanca St.,

Legaspi Village, Makati Philippines

Store Hours :

Monday to Thursday 12nn - 9pm

Friday to Sunday 12nn - 10pm

T (632) 752-0692

M (63) 916-6274786

http://www.theodoresthestore.multiply.com

Tee Time

Before the holidays, I was scheduled for a 1-on-1 interview with the person behind Analog Soul. The brand wasn't new to me, but I was surprised to find out that the owner is a familiar face as well. Upon approaching the table at Mary Grace at TriNoma, Migs (a.k.a. Miguel Naguiat of Analog Soul) and I said almost in unison: "Are you from Ateneo?" That broke the potential ice, if ever there was going to be one.

Fast forward to yesterday... hubby and I headed out to TriNoma for some retail shopping therapy. Guess where we went? :)

Like most shops, Analog Soul is on sale...

Some of their trademarks include customizing your sneaks

A new batch of men's shirts arrived recently

Me likey these strips pasted on the borders of their displays

Here are some photos of what we bought:

for my youngest brother who is still studying in Ateneo :P

for me and hubby—his and hers :D

hubby loves green (he's from La Salle). Too bad, there weren't any DLSU shirts available.

They got sold out pretty fast, according to the staff.

Didn't but this, but I find it really cute!

To know more about Analog Soul, here's what I wrote in my column last weekend:

Soul Expression: A blank canvass for Pinoy Artists

Statement and graphic shirts have been a well-loved trend for the last decade, and it’s not going to slow down just yet. But with so many brands offerings, there’s one retail store that stood out for me—Analog Soul.

Like most young brands, Analog Soul started with three friends (Mika Bautista, Paolo Lim, and Miguel Naguiat) who wanted to make extra cash to pay for their holiday expenses. Taking their cue from the successful reviews they got from their friends and families, they joined bazaars the next year, which eventually lead them to open up two stores recently.

There are two reasons why I’m attached to this brand. First, they have a big pool of artists (and it’s open for everyone) who submits designs for review. Miguel Naguiat shared that they were pleasantly surprised with the number of e-mails they get from these artists. “Through our partnership with Filipino artists, Analog Soul is able to carry creative, evocative, and eclectic designs. These designs are what capture our market’s interest. Their artistry is able to capture the emotions and expressions of the market. The brand now becomes a venue for our customers to shout out their emotions or express themselves,” he explains.

Contributing Analog Soul artist Tata Balerite proudly adds, “We, Filipinos, are gifted with creativity. We may be a third world country but we are never short on creative talents. Our attention to details and unique intricate designs are something we should be proud of. That’s why I try to incorporate all that design elements through my work. The more complicated the design, the harder for other people to copy.”

Another thing I like about the brand is that they only make a few pieces per design. If ever there is a demand to do a reproduction, it will come in a different shirt color. So, in a way, they’re all limited edition tees, which makes every shirt all the more special. And with the new collection at P395 a pop, they’re such sweet deals!

New designs include:

*Analog Soul is available at TriNoma, Archaelogy Wing at Power Plant Mall, and the department store of SM Megamall.