The Ramp Kids Holiday Collection

Before this year ends, allow us a little indulgence in sharing this page on Smart Parenting's December issue. Mischka and I are beyond honored to be up on the ranks of Rajo Laurel of Rajito, Mandy Dela Rama-Santos of Tarte Tatin, and the designers of Gingersnaps. Waaaay out of our league, I know. 

As some of you may know, I put together a small collection for The Ramp Kids. The holiday collection is all about grown-up clothes you can play in. Dresses and separates you can play up with pops of colors and fun, statement-making accessories. 

A huge thank you goes out to The Ramp for this opportunity, Smart Parenting for not getting tired of us, and of course to my little muse who never ceases to inspire me every single day.   

Fantasy Closet {Christmas Eve}

Bring out the sparklies and the statement-making babies this Christmas eve. Wether you're having dinner out or just celebrating at home, I say, wear something a little extra special. May it be a pleated midi or nails painted in burgundy, anything really that makes you feel pretty. 

The Elements:

1. Jigsaw Regatta black and white stripe top
2. Topshop pleated color block skirt
3. Amrita Singh Crystal Sunrise earrings
4. All Saints Texas jacket
5. Balmain sandals
6. Kate Spade Twirl
7. Anya Hindmarch Marano clutch
8. Butter nail lacquer

Hello from the Bay Area

Hello friends! Nice to be back blogging again although this one's gonna be short (and sweet). We've settled quite nicely. Weather's pleasant to chilly some days. Nights are freezing. But that does not stop us from midnight runs to Safeway.  

It's our first time to spend Christmas in San Francisco. Our body clocks have not fully adjusted but otherwise it's been lovely. 

We took a break from the crazy Christmas shopping and drove down to Monterey for the aquarium. Tomorrow, the Exploratorium is in order. That is, if we don't lose half of the day in bed. It's 3AM here and we're all just getting ready to hit the sack. 

Leaving you with some snippets from the little miss' daily activities. Whatever we're doing, wherever we're going, she's always just so gung-ho. We can't imagine how elated she would be when she steps foot on the happiest place on earth in the next few weeks. 

wrapped and unplugged

We've been awfully quiet around here. To say that we've been having crazy full days is an understatement. Yes, we are busy but we have also gone unplugged. I recently lost my laptop and I felt like my world fell apart. It was a terrible, terrible thing to happen and as I quietly mourn its loss, I just couldn't help but feel uninspired. Almost 500GB worth of hardwork and memories gone just like that. I was able to save some but I wished I could have been more religious in backing up. 

Instead of wasting my energy feeling sorry for what happened, I just had to make the most of my situation and divert my attention to other things. It wasn't as difficult as I actually have a gazillion things to do and errands to run. I then had more time to read to Le Misch, do crafts, and just plain old hanging out. We had loads of fun wrapping gifts and crossing names off our list.

So pardon us if we have been neglecting this space lately. I am working on getting my groove back and perhaps a change of scenery should do the trick. Next time you hear from us-- will be from chilly San Francisco!

Follow @mischmashmikka on Twitter to keep you abreast of our adventures! It officially begins in a few hours. 

Carioca Resort 2012

It's finally here! My sister and I have managed to revive our line of caftans and tunics even when we are miles apart. Carioca refers to a native or inhabitant of Rio de Janeiro. We have always been fascinated with the Brazilian beach lifestyle and if only we can wear caftans and tunics everyday we would. Hence the name and the line. 

The Carioca piece is not only for the beach. We see to it that each and every piece we create is something you pack with you to a beach getaway and not store at the back of your closet when you return home. They too are made for you to revel in and survive the urban heatwave. In a manner that is all so chic and effortless.

The Pomeroy is the kind you pull out of the closet, throw in, accessorize, and out the door you go. It's roomy, breezy, gauzy in navy and white stripey. Perfection.

The Bahia lends a touch of effortless cool to an all too dressed up ensemble of sequins and pumps. Who knew a beach cover up can also work for a night about town.

You can never go wrong with a tunic you can dress up or dress down. The Marica is your go-to for weekend lounging. 

For day time garb-- casual or dressy, the Oswaldo will see you through. 

Catch us this Friday at the Brown Bag Vintage and Crafts Market at Filipinas Heritage Library. Find these and more in different colors and prints, a lot of which are one-offs (some even vintage!), at this specialty artisan market. 

And here's a treat for Mischmash readers: Just simply say you're one and you automatically get 10% off! See you there!  

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Special thanks to:

Photography, Anthony Co

Hair and Makeup, Chinky Tanjangco

Carioca Muse, Claudine Yao

Unleash Your Inner Primadonna

I got nauseated with the bevy of gorgeous shoes at the recent Primadonna launch in Shangri-La Hotel Makati. It was a last minute invitation but who could say no to a night of nothing but shoes?! 

Primadonna is a homegrown lifestyle footwear brand that carries the latest in women's footwear. It has amazingly grown from 3 stores in 2007 to a retail force of 42 at present. It's vision is to bring in select on-trend pieces that speak to a variety of fashionalities. 

The launch opened with a short fashion show styled by fashion bloggers all with different style personalities. The highlight of the night (apart from the shoes) was the reveal of the brand's latest endorser-- self confessed shoe addict herself-- Anne Curtis! 

Anne channeling androgyny with the two-tone oxfords, P1299.95

Anne is fierce with the denim pumps with animal print platform, P1499.95

Free spirited take with the beige ankle strap boat shoes, P1699.95

Primadonna couldn't pick a more perfect muse. I think Anne Curtis is truly one of the few actresses who does have great personal style. She's a chameleon and is so fitting of Primadonna's aesthetic. 

I am sure glad I went that night. I had fun meeting a lot young fashion bloggers and got to spend time with some I already know. Thanks to Denise of Primadonna and Aisa of Drowning Equilibriums for inviting and to Lana of Hautepot for keeping me company while waiting for my ride home. (I grabbed some photos from you too, as yours are just so much better than mine.) 

To unleash your inner Primadonna, visit a store near you, pop over their site and follow them on Facebook! 

a quick update

Our apologies for the remiss of posts around here. We've been extremely busy and happened to get sick at a time when we cannot afford to be so. We flew to the hometown for my Dad's birthday. I was so looking forward to spending some time with the folks and see some old friends too. Sadly Mischka caught some stomach bug and we ended up spending most of our time confined in the room.

It was a good thing the house was all dolled up for Christmas. It helped a lot cheer up an unwell child. I then decided to cut short our vacay, flew back to Manila and went straight to see her doctor. I always have a feeling of my world falling apart whenever she gets sick. I guess that comes along with the whole motherhood package? 

Now she's a lot better. Thank goodness. Unfortunately I caught the bug too. So I'm doing some catching up from the bed today. 

Mischmash Wishlist

1. I know I really shouldn't be thinking about handbags right now, much less wish for one. But who could resist 3.1 Phillip Lim's Pashli? The number in ink blue has never left my mind since I came across it months ago.
2. I've always wanted to find a signature scent and I wanna start the elusive search with Jo Malone.
3. MadebyGirl's Love Candy Gold print is on the first half of my list but I have yet to find a bare wall worthy of it.
4. Come join my arm party, Kelly Wearstler pyrite cubes bangle.
5. The style warrior in me can never have enough design books. The book shelf has plenty of room for Deborah Needleman's newest.
6.  Need to replenish the most heavily rotated pieces in my closet. J. Crew Keeper I have my eyes on you.
7.  I'm still searching for the perfect black pumps I can keep forever. This will make my feet rather delighted.

There you have it. My highly edited holiday wishlist. Pieces I don't exactly need but can't seem to stop thinking about.

Le Misch will be sharing with you her wishlist too. Watch out for that!

A Peek at What's Inside the Brown Bag

Forgive me for being such a tease. I just could not contain my excitement especially when these babies are looking so rad! Wanna get your hands on these? Come show us some love this 9 December 2011, 4-11pm at the Brown Bag Vintage and Crafts Market at Filipinas Heritage Library, Ayala Triangle, Makati City.

This is not your typical holiday bazaar, that's for sure. Its more like an artisan market provided for local talent and entrepreneurs where a bevy of one-of-a-kind finds await you. Come drop by our booth and  let's have a chitchat. Le Misch and I will show what we've been up to. It's a date!  

Mischmash Stylish Mama {November}

Richie Ortega-Torres, makes stunning, whimsical bridal wear while effortlessly raising two beautiful girls with husband, Itong. She keeps a gorgeous well-lived home that is evident of a happy marriage, an extensively-travelled couple, and a young endearing tight-knit family.

The family's broad interests spawned into a myriad of books spied all over the place.

We asked Richie to bring out her favorite things and one of the first things she unearthed was this intricately beaded silk puse.

Even Gaudi's gecko covets Richie's Miu Miu rope leather sandals.

Marni dress, Paul Smith court heels, and a hat from milliner, Carmina de Dios.

Her black Marni sandals towers over Hogwart's castle.

Artifacts from various travels adorned with her favorite necklaces.

(L) Much loved medallion charms. (R) A Super Award for rocking the world of fashion.

(L)The family's trying their green thumbs and so far so good as you can see with this thriving basil. (R) Interesting pieces that are actually functional are spotted here and there.

Richie's most precious gems: Luccia, 3y.o. and Oliva, 5y.o.

Quirky dolls at the girls' bedroom.

Olivia and Luccia played hostesses to my little assistant.

Describe your personal style.

Always relaxed, minimalist/simple/sophisticate but bohemian and free spirited. Which is sometimes the opposite of what I design, feminine and romantic. It's funny but I think it balances out my "style" sanity. Staying in one end of the spectrum would drive me crazy and bored.

What are you wearing this holiday season? Zero by Maria Cornejo

Closet staples? Black dresses. My Arche rubber flats (addicted to these for close to 20 years), scarves and shawls. Leggings and rubber soled ballet flats.

How are you influencing your daughter's personal style? I am a shopaholic when it comes to their clothes, and they love dressing up, so it's really enjoyable for all of us. My eldest (5 yrs old) is already adamant about picking all her everyday outfits, and my youngest (3 yrs old) loves wearing costumes, and I highly encourage it, so they can express their individuality through their style choices. I just want them to have fun with it.

Style icons? Charlotte Gainsbourgh, Lou Doillon, Marion Cotillard, and Michelle Obama.

Tip or 2 for all moms out there who want to stay stylish amidst all the hullabaloo motherhood brings? I find that dresses have been my life saver since I've become a mom. It's just one piece so it's a no brainer.

Any shopping advice?
If you can, choose quality over quantity. In my experience, it'll last longer and you'll wear it more and more, then you'll likely to take care of it more.

Luccia wears a dress from The Ramp Kids and Olivia in a dress from Gingersnaps.

The girls are their mother's biggest fans. 

Spending an afternoon with Richie and her daughters is as refreshing as it is inspiring. You'd easily admire the way she balances the crazy push-and-pull between motherhood and running a business. 

Outside her little family, she makes brides (jittery or cool) happy. And I happen to be one of those brides who made the best decision ever and pick a designer I most resonate with. Richie just got me from first meeting to final fitting. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. And I am one of many, that I am sure.

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Find Richie Ortega Bridal on Facebook for details.

Photography by Anthony Co.

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