Did u know

that Loewe is pronounced "low-ay-vey"?

Ignorant little me always called it "Lo-wy".

Presenting, the new "anti-IT" bag : a leather version of an ordinary brown paper grocery bag for about $1,045.

Read full article here.

Anthologie Shoes

Going around online, I stumbled onto this shoe store online which is based in Manila, called Anthologie Shoes.
they have some unique pairs, not all their stuff are my type though plus they're kinda pricey too. But I'm definitely liking the Neon Classics & Brussels flats!



Check out the store here!

Gossip Girl Season 4

Gossip Girl Returns to New York

Jul 15, 2010 @ 12:08 pm

Spotted: Our favorite Upper East Side duo, back on their home turf. After shooting the first part of Season 4 in the city of lights, Gossip Girl stars Blake Lively and Leighton Meester are again taking to the streets of New York in style. Paris has seemed to have had a lasting effect on Blair as she sports an alluring Gucci leopard print sheath, while Serena shows off her mile-long legs in a bohemian Diane von Furstenberg mini-dress. We also get a first look at Nate’s new ladyfriend, played by Katie Cassidy, so now there’s another wardrobe for us to lust after! Click on the gallery to see more of the cast’s N.Y.C. style.
—Christina Rutherford

They're all looking good! Can't wait! :)

Random Yellow

Today I got myself a new pair of sneakers :)

A pair of yellow Vans Off The Wall sneakers.

I'm actually not a sneakers sort of person. I have nothing against sneakers but I'm not the sporty type at all and it just makes me feel awkward. But then, maybe it's just because I have big feet. Whatever. I actually sort of envy other girls who are able to carry off wearing sneakers. They actually look good. But I'm quite a girly-girl in my choice of footwear and I usually go for nice pumps or peep toes, pretty ballet flats or cute sandals and of course, the all-time comfy flip-flops.

I own only one pair of rubber shoes and it's about 5 or 6 years old. I hardly use them.

The last time I owned a pair of sneakers I think I was in high school or maybe first year college. That's a good 9-10 years ago.

So you see, I'm the last person you would imagine to go out and buy a pair of sneakers. So, why you may ask, did I do just that today? Believe it or not, there's a weird story behind it.

One day while commuting in the MTR, I had this really weird urge of wanting yellow Lacoste sneakers. I have no clue where that thought came from as I hadn't seen any such sneakers in recent memory. But, imagine my surprise, when after a few minutes of walking, as I was standing in line, I saw right in front of me a girl wearing... yellow Lacoste sneakers! Freaky or what? Haha.

So a few days later, I chanced upon a sports store and saw a pair of yellow Lacoste sneakers. Exactly what I had in mind. It was a bit pricey though and I felt getting them was a bit silly if I based it all on a random thought.

However, even after a few weeks, I still kept thinking about those bright colored sneakers. So today, I finally went back to the sports store only to discover that the yellow Lacoste sneakers were sold out. There were only red and blue left and they didn't appeal to me at all. But glad I saw these Vans ones and I was hooked. They're a few hundred dollars cheaper too so gooo! :)

I think they actually look quite cute. I don't feel as awkward in sneakers anymore. Maybe because they're yellow? Or maybe that random thought just converted me.

I love my new sneakers!:)

Drex Fable

While walking through Admiralty Centre yesterday, I came upon this little boutique, so small it's easy to miss. I'm glad I went in. The store is called drex fable and their clothes are beautiful!

Not your usual, conventional designs, they sport clothes in warm tones of maroon, beige and black and grays mostly in silk and satin fabrics. The cut and construction of the clothes were different, modern and chic.

They were having a sale at the moment with dresses reduced to prices of around HK$ 400-800 which is not too bad for the unique pieces. They are somewhat similar to Initial, another HK brand, which I also like. Though I think Initial is a bit darker.

After googling them back in the office, I discovered they had a website and a blog too!Unfortunately, the blog is in chinese so I just oggled at the pictures :)

The brand was established in 2000 and the name is a play with the words "Dress Fable". Here are some pictures showcasing their current collection called "Spring Blossom" which I grabbed online. Though I wish I could take pictures of the individual pieces:

Also found out they also have shops in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwai Fong, Shatin and Tuen Mun. Will definitely go back and check it out some more.

Go Team Manila!

I'll be the first to not call myself patriotic but I also will say that I am a proud & happy Filipina. True, there are certain a lot of things that needs changing/improving/rehauling. But there's also no denying the fact, that there is no shortage of talent in our country. It's in the blood! I know that if only we could do away with all the dirty politicians and really put our smarts into action, change is possible. And this year, especially, after the relatively peaceful presidential elections, there is a new, revived hope for the nation. Together, we can all help build a better Philippines :)

If you're particularly feeling the love and want to show it, head on over to Team Manila, a lifestyle brand selling clothing and other accessories. It operates under the graphic design group of the same name. Since learning about the brand, I've been in love. It is so inspiring to see a group of talented individuals come together to create and deliver nationalistic designs and elements of pinoy pop culture in their merchandise which are modern, hip and cool.
One of the first items I wanted to get were the passport holders, unfortunately they were sold out by the time I asked H to check them for me.
I was glad when I was able to visit their store in Mall of Asia last May. I was so giddy I wanted to buy all the shirts there. And mind you, I'm not a t-shirt person at that. Finally, I picked up for myself a "New MLA" T-shirt and a Rizal clock.

Just checked out their online shop now and they have the cutest items ever!

And the most adorable shirts for kids too!

...and accessories! :)

Check out the website and online shop here or better yet, if you're in Manila do visit their shops at the following locations:

Makati City
The Powerplant Mall
2nd Floor South Court, Rockwell Center (near Nike)

Pasay City
SM Mall of Asia, 2nd Floor Pavilion
(near Nike and Premier Cinema)

Quezon City
Trinoma
3rd Level
(near Topshop and Viktor Jeans)

FCUK

Today I learned... that French Connection UK became FCUK by accident. In 1997, Stephen Marks, owner, asked advertising genius Trevor Beattie to think of a new advertising campaign for the brand. This is when Beattie "discovered" the acronym on the title of the faxes that were exchanged between the Hong Kong and London offices. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Lane Crawford Webisodes

The LANE CRAWFORD WEBISODES series takes you to Paris for the Fall/Winter 2010 Women's Fashion Week.

Check out the WEBISODES FW10 MAIN COLLECTIONS here

Rant

I'm sorry, but you can't be in fashion if you pronounce Vogue as "VO-GE" and turn John Galliano into "JUN" Galliano

brother and sister

Today I learned... about "a new concept store & café at 1881 Heritage" in Tsim Sha Tsui called "brother & sister". The new establishment is the brainchild of, get this, brother and sister Gilbert Yeung (founder of dragon-I)and Cindy Yeung (Emperor Group Director).

The unique (to hong kong) store "combines Emperor's jewellery and watches, with a bar cum café, and a fashion boutique. The concept café offers a range of comfort food and morphs into a cocktail bar at night.
The shop stocks garments from Hong Kong based brand Cipher, Dolce & Gabbana, Greedy Genius and Android Homme as well as limited edition cross over brands such as Alexander McQueen for Puma. You'll also find sunglasses from Nathan Jenden as well as vintage pieces from Guy Laroche.

On top of the clothing the likes of Aesop skin car are also available, along with Cowshed bath and body products, Dosh unisex wallets and DL & Co. candles."

Definitely seems worth visiting, although I fear the food and clothes are way over my budget. For those who have no such fear though, check it out at:

Basement, Shop B-02, 1881 Heritage (inside the Emperor Jewellery store)
2A Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Source: luxuryinsider.com

Fashion, Airplanes and Furniture

I’m starting a series which I call “Today I learned…” where I basically will talk about some random, interesting thing I learned of or discovered that day, which I'm guessing would most likely be about anything fashion related...Always good to learn something new everyday!

27th May 2010

Today I learned… about Hussein Chalayan. A renowned Turkish designer, Chalayan is recognized the world over for his ingenious exercise of combining fashion and technology. I’m ashamed that I’d never heard of him until today but I’m sure I’ve come across some of his works before in magazines. His creations are way ahead of his time and it’s just amazing to see such artistic talent.

Chalayan was born in Nicosia, Turkey in 1970 and he studied design at Central Saint Martins where he graduated in 1993. He struggled earlier in his career with sponsorship and funding but slowly his work became more recognized and in 'British Designer of the Year' in 1999 and 2000.

Among his more famous pieces of work are the “series of laser LED dresses [he designed] in collaboration with luxury label Swarovski, showcased in Tokyo” in early 2008.

But I think the most creative, out-of-this-world things he’s done are the airplane dresses and the furniture dresses!

S/S 2000 “Airplane Dress” – Chalayan created dresses made out of the same material used in airplanes. The shape of the dress could be changed by remote control!

F/W 2000 – “After Words” - In the winter collection of the same year, Chalayan created a table dress – basically a table that turned into a skirt!

Now, how’s that for innovation!

Desigual

While I was in Singapore a few weeks back, I promised myself I would not do any personal shopping for different reasons. It was difficult to do, especially with so many different shops around. On regular occasions, while travelling, my rule of thumb is I'd only purchase something if I knew I wouldn't be able to get the same thing or similar to it in Hong Kong. That or if it was significantly cheaper. However, on this trip, I really stopped myself. Once in a while, I'd step into a few of the stores just to check out what items they had and sometimes I'd end up picking a top or dress or 2, only to put them back in the rack before stepping out of the store. There were a lot of pretty clothes that were affordable too. So while I did see a lot of lovely of items, there were none that I went completely crazy over.

While browsing at the Marina Square, one night, however, I stumbled into Desigual and I swear my heart skipped a beat.

I don't always get these blood-rushing-to-my heart-making-me-dizzy sort of feelings. I remember I had the same feeling first time I entered Zara years ago. And also, when I saw Ted Baker when it was still new. But yes, Desigual made me giddy. I was in love.

Their clothes were just beautiful. So unique. A touch of boho, ethnic and artsy fartsy too. But refreshing, feminine, fun. They had so many wonderful pieces, the prints were just gorgeous. I must've eyed each one for a good 10 seconds each. Dresses, skirts, tops, bags. Their clothing isn't my usual style but I would've gladly worn any one of them.

Desigual in Amsterdam

I had to ask one of the sales assistants where the brand was from and found out the brand is from Spain.

Found after a quick google: "Desigual is a streetwear brand based in Barcelona, Spain...The brand has been created in 1984 by Swiss national Thomas Meyer, founder and creative director that wanted to provide different clothes to people."

Desigual is already a household name in Europe and its logo is a familiar sight. Offering a directional range of men and women's casual wear, as well as and accessories, Desigual has something for everyone. It has a fun, positive and unconventional outlook on fashion. The first slogan for the brand was 'Desigual is not the same', and this continues to be the driving force behind the label over twenty years on"

You can't believe how tempted I was to buy even just one item. But there were too many good ones, I couldn't choose! It didn't help that they were quite pricey.

Apparently, there are a few branches in Singapore - one in Orchard Central and another in Vivo City.

It's been a while since my Singapore trip but I've still been dreaming about Desigual. I think I've decided I'll get a dress on my next Singapore trip, hopefully it's during the Singapore Sale too! :)

The Red Carpet

Every year, I look forward to catching the Academy Award show to see which films win, which actor gets to take home the trophy, to be entertained by the antics of the host(s) of the night and to be in awe at the sets and production numbers. But the one thing that really gets me giddy is the red carpet pre-show to see what everyone is wearing!

This year, celebs seemed to put on their best. Everyone was classy, glittery, sparkly and beautiful!


Here are my top picks this year :)

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture (one of my fave designers of all times!)

Cameron Diaz in Oscar dela Renta

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka. Always elegant!

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa. Did someone say Oscar winner??

Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham

And i absolutely looooved Demi Moore's Atelier Versace!! She looked divine! :)

Black is Back

It's nice to see even the fashion world do their part in relief efforts for Haiti. On the second day of the Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week, super model Naomi Campbell put together a Fashion for Relief runway show, with some of the biggest names in modelling world plus other well known celebrities - including Chris Brown. Such a lovely, lively event!

I recently did a report on the LBD (little black dress) and this event had plenty of those! Love it!!

The models looked like they were having lots of fun. Naomi herself rocked the catwalk (love that roaring 20's dress!).The girl in the red dress and Tina Turner hair had a bit too much coffee to drink I guess. And she just wouldn't leave! Was too much for the next girl in a gorgeous yellow frock. Uh oh to the shoe adjusting! And Agyness, what happened to ya? :p

Good job, Naomi.

It was bittersweet though. The last seven outfits were from Alexander McQueen, with whom Naomi is/was friends with. It was a tribute to the late, great designer.

At NY Fashion Week, sea of fashionable black
Source: AP

NEW YORK — Naomi Campbell brought an emotional end to the second day of New York Fashion Week on Friday with a runway show for the relief effort in Haiti, capped with a finale tribute to Alexander McQueen.

McQueen, who was found dead on Thursday in London, wasn't known to have many close friends in the fashion industry, but Campbell was in his inner circle. At the end of the runway show, she walked backstage with tears in her eyes.

The last seven outfits in Fashion for Relief were McQueen's, modeled by Campbell, Helena Christensen and Karen Elson, among others — all wearing impossibly high heels by the designer, including one pair of platforms that didn't actually have any heels.
Everything seen on the catwalk will be sold on the Net-a-Porter Web site, beginning March 15. The clothes, though, were secondary to celebrities like Chris Brown and Kelly Osbourne, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and designers Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa.

Models who rarely strut anymore, including Maggie Rizer and Agyness Deyn, strapped on their stilettos, too, with the audience cheering on Deyn when she fell twice wearing towering Burberry sandals.

But the crowd clearly came to see Campbell, who did not disappoint. The 39-year-old showed why she was once queen of the catwalk, making a short, black sequined flapper dress practically do its own dance.

At runway shows throughout the day, black was the color of choice. Three out of four editors in the front rows wore black — so don't let anyone tell you there's a new black.