Christian Dior Spring 2011 Necklaces

Dior came out with these interesting neck pieces for Spring. Looks un-Dior to me but nonetheless very pretty.  

 

(all images from style.com)

My favorite is the first one. Purple never looked that good with red and fuchsia. Of course, the hint of gold is perfection. Just my kind of necklace.

Enjoy your Monday lovelies!

Scott Schumann + Happy Weekend!

The Sartorialist is one of the first few blog sites I started to follow. When inspiration seems scarce and with moments blah and dull, I click on Scott Schumann's images of ordinary and extra ordinary people from all {usually fashionable} corners of the world. I get instant rush of honest-to-goodness inspiration.



"When I look at something, I don't think if it's fashionable enough or of-the-moment enough. I'm just reacting.." -- Scott Schumann

I like seeing the world in Scott Schumann's eyes. Thank you Scott Schumann. I hope to meet you someday.

Have an inspiring weekend you all!

party planning mode is ON!

In less than a month, someone's turning 2!! The little girl is excited and so is everyone else in the household. Ummm, no, we don't do the hotel ballroom/ village clubhouse professional- party- planner- organized shebangs around here. I like to go the old-fashion way, where mums do it from scratch. I am extremely hands-on and like to be on top of it all. If only I could bake a cake, I would.

You see, I find utter pleasure from the planning stage down to execution and on to the end result. (Lets just say, I {fine, hubby and I} pulled off a destination wedding without having to use a wedding planner.) Simply because, planning a fete gives me some sort of a high.

Not that we dig HUGE parties. I like small themed ones that are unique and true to the person or occasion. And more importantly, I value creativity and practicality. Resourcefulness is the name of the game here.

On her first, we had this.

I was being selfish and thought to myself then that that was my only chance to have my penchant for Matryoshka dolls play a role in one of my biggest milestones. She turned one and I think she had fun. So did I.

Now that she's turning another year older and seem to have developed strong preferences, I try to be less selfish by giving her several theme options.

Option 1

Tea Party

She likes playing tea time and this is something she might enjoy.

 Inspiring beyond words. Found these here and here. 

Thing is, she might appreciate it more when she is a little older. 

Option 2

A Picnic

Before we moved back to Manila, I already thought of having a real deal picnic shindig with baskets, mats, and the works at the Botanic Gardens.

This option might just be logistically difficult around here.

Option3 

Pink Flamingo Party

This is just so pretty!!!  Came across this here, where I found a bevy of amazing party ideas. Need  more time, probably a whole year to pull this off though.

Option 4

Mexican Fiesta

This might be the easiest given my time frame. With the pinatas, maracas, tacos, burritos, margaritas-- little miss celebrant will surely enjoy and so will her little guests, and most probably (read: tequila) the adults too!

Fantasy Closet {Laid Back Corporate}

There's no slacking on style even when you live in a laid back city, more so if you work in a corporate industry. It was a little bit of a challenge to put together an ensemble for strong and independent career women (some are lawyers) residing in Bacolod as requested by a dear reader.

As usual my fantasy closet did not disappoint.

I urge you to look your part and be stylishly corporate in a more relaxed mood. Cropped trousers and a light weight, drapey tuxedo jacket will do the trick. Don't leave your baubles at home but keep it at minimal doses. High heeled pumps are a MUST and empowering. Where else will you wear them but in a board room or the court room?

The Elements:

1. 3.1 Philip Lim Draped Overlap Blazer, farfetch.com
2. TIBI Business Sarouel Pants, maryandpaul.de
3. 3.1 Philip Lim Pocketed Silk Blouse, net-a-porter.com
4. Art Deco Neck Piece, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Rock and Republic Snake/Patent Pumps, footcandyshoes.com
6. Michael Kors Men's Three-Hand Watch, neimanmarcus.com
7. Marc Jacobs Julie Bag, colette.fr

 Happy stylish Wednesday lovelies!

love at first sight

Do you believe in love at first sight? I do, ever since I first laid eyes on my daughter. Even with all the gooey stuff going on when she first came out, it was love at first sight. Big time.

I've only had 2 instances of such moments. Mischka and.. (Hubby was love at second or third so, no it's not him).. this.

Celine Boston Tote 

How can this arm candy be at par with that close emotional tie I had with my daughter at birth?? I don't know. Maybe Phoebe Philo can tell me.

Utterly shallow as it may seem, my heart did a little somersault when I saw an orange/navy combination of this in Celine's window in Pacific Place last week. Annoyingly, I couldn't find that certain combo online. It comes in so many variations, it's a chore to pick one. Oh but that orange/navy one was just the one for me..

 

 Sandra from Sandra's Closet depicted just how hard it is to choose one with this clever illustration of hers.

The only issue I have with this handbag is the fact that it's hand held and that of course, it costs an arm and a leg for my standards ($1800-2500 depending on material).

When you make handbags yourself, it's very difficult to justify a purchase. But that's just me. If you fancy one and don't mind the designer price tag, go ahead buy the arm candy and by all means be merry. 

Fantasy Closet {Sophisticated Boho}

I am definitely feeling the 70's vibe at the Spring Summer 2011 runways. I wasn't fortunate enough to witness that period first hand but I sure love going back to its fashion then.

Here are some runway looks referenced from the era that's making waves this season.

L-R: Tory Burch, Derek Lam, Etro

L-R: Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo, Elie Tahari

(images from style.com)

So chic and wearable, isn't it? Now here's my take on this SS2011 trend in a sophisticated bohemian kinda of way.

The Elements:

1. Diane Von Furstenberg Striped Chiffon Blouse, net-a-porter.com
2. Misses Stretch Wide Leg Trousers, spiegel.com
3. Mulberry Oak Bayswater, my-wardrobe.com
4. Nixon 42-20 Stainless Steel Watch, net-a-porter.com
5. Catherine Canino White Pearl Wrap Bracelet, maxandchloe.com
6. H&M ring. hm.com
7. Burberry bangle with Disc Rivets, burberry.com
8. Giuseppe Zannoti Rafia Platform Sandals, colette.fr
9. Temperley London Lion Leather Belt, theoutnet.com

Baby Company Grand Fair {additional info}

I made a mistake in my last post saying the Baby Company Grand Fair is only open to SM Advantage card holders. I have good news. It's open to the public!!!

But for card holders, shopping means doubling your points. Sweet, isn't it?

Baby Company Grand Fair

Jan 28-30, 2011

SM Megatrade Halls 2 & 3

Baby Company Grand Fair

You are  not a certified mum if you live in Manila and don't go to, or at the very least know of Baby Company. You know how it is when you become a mother and all of a sudden there so many places that become so relevant to you its almost an addiction? 

One of those places is Baby Company. I can never come out of that place without buying anything. Funny thing is, each time I pass by the store I almost always have to justify my entry. Does Mischka need a new tooth brush? Maybe they sell mosquito patches here? Should I completely wean her off the bottle and buy more sippy cups now? Those are just some of the many thought bubbles I have playing in my head whenever Baby Company is within sight. Can you blame me? It is, after all, the ultimate go-to for all things baby.

Now, imagine my delight when I learned about Baby Company's upcoming baby fair! Back in Singapore, Mischka and I together with other mother-baby tandems, were all permanent fixtures at baby fairs in Takashimaya, Tangs, United Square, etc.

This fair will be our first since moving back.

I have also learned it's not all about shopping here. There are a lot of activities lined up for mums, mums-to-be, and babies/kids alike!

This event is exclusive to SM Advantage Card holders. I'm pretty sure you already are (for Philippine residents). Nowadays, who isn't anyway?

So, mark your calendars mummies! Jan 28-30 at the SM Mega Trade Halls. See you and your little ones there!

my top golden globe red carpet looks

 

Leighton Meester in Burberry Prorsum

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

 Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

(all images from stylebistro.com)

Gorgeousness overload. Great way to start the day (well, mid-day).

dissection of ensembles and then some

In lieu of the weekly snaps from the weekend, which most often than not dominated by Le Misch, all the snaps I got from the weekend that was,  are of my winter ensembles from China to Hong Kong. The weather plus having no one to converse with, resulted to chronicling my daily battle with the cold in the best concoctions I could whip up given my limited winter wear resources.

DAY 1
Print on Print

1.  Voluminous vest from Cosmopolitan Clothing
2. Black and white stripe shirt from H&M
3. Black thermal tights from Cold Wear (yes I actually own a pair)
4. Brown obi belt from Bayo
5. Brown leather boots from a shop in Amsterdam 
6. Printed scarf from China

DAY 2

Black and Navy

1.  Black cape from The Ramp
2. Navy turtleneck shirt from Mango
3. Really old pair of gray (almost white) jeans
4. Black leather boots from China (great find!)
5. Gray cotton scarf from Cotton on

DAY 3

Chanelling Equestrian

1.  Camel cape with belt from China (yes, another great buy!)
2. Black long sleeved shirt from Mango
3. Another old pair of jeans in white
4. Black leather boots
5. Borrowed hubby's cap/ bonnet from H&M

DAY 4

Frock for a Change

I do bring a dress (or two) for moments when we I have to go somewhere fancy. Not that I did this time 'round. I wore this during the day. And I always keep the prints as minimal as I could.

1. Printed tunic dress from BCBG MaxAzria
2. Gray turtleneck from Zara
3. Black tights
4. Black obi belt from Mango
5. Black leather boots

Before I climb up the bed and read to Le Misch, let me share with you another (surprisingly willing) subject I styled from this trip..

 

The coat needs some nipping-in here and there but everything else looks dapper to me.

Hope your weekend was warm and awesome.

Fantasy Closet {7°C Out Here!}

As I sit here at the hotel lobby waiting to board my bus from a town in China to Hong Kong City, I couldn't help but fantasize of a winter closet chocful of these.

I try to be as efficient as I could when packing especially for a cold place. I stick with the basics. No prints, patterns, and wild colors for me. I have learned through the years of trotting around the globe that the smartest way really is to pack the essentials. That and a few light weight accessories like scarves to spruce up any day in any corner of the world. You always have to leave room for some shopping right?

So without further ado, here are the essentials {I wish I had} for this trip:

1. Muubaa Waterfall Jacket, stylepaste.com
2. R13 Low Rise Skinny Jeans, theoutnet.com
3. Miu Miu Bow Back Cashmere Sweater, net-a-porter.com
4. Alexander Wang Kristen Calf Suede Satchel, luisaviaroma.com
5. Nixon 42-20 Chrono, net-a-porter.com
6. Sigerson Morrison Black Leather Riding Boots, net-a-porter.com
7. Here to Infinity Pumpkin Scarf, modcloth.com
8. John Lewis Woven Metallic Leather Gloves, johnlewis.com
9. Prada Havana Postcard Collection Sunnies, sunglasses-shop.co.uk

The rest are just some basic necessities to have in a bag when traveling. Anyhoo, I am off to rendezvous with dear hubby in Hong Kong. Can't wait.

separation anxiety after 2

Yes, 2 years later (almost) and I still get separation anxiety when leaving Mischka for a long time. A long time for me can be 2 days.. I'll be away for 5 and that is eternity. Call me over-acting, but yes I am weeping as I write this. I just got off the phone with her and before putting it down I told her I love her. Guess what, in her sweet little voice, she said "I love you Mama." -- she is just a month shy of turning 2, but I sure hope she means it.

Is this even normal? Do any of you mums out there feel the same way when you leave your children? I am so sad beyond words that we cannot take her with us this time around, like we usually do. The last time we did, she went on hunger strike. Seriously. She did not eat solids for 4 days. Thinking about that now breaks my heart.

Here's a peek at the photo shoot we had for a parenting glossy yesterday, just right before I left. She wasn't at all difficult as I feared. Even demure Chanel was cooperative. 'Hope the photos come out nice!

I am just about to board the plane and I'm already thinking of Sunday, when I get to see and hug and kiss and tell her I love her again. Let's see if I get the same response.

The Collective

I finally had the chance to visit this out-of-your-way creative scene in Malugay Street, Makati. I was supposed to go with Le Misch but she slept on me on the way so I had to send her back home to get a more comfortable nap.

The Collective is described as "an honest space" by one of its purveyors Dustin Reyes, for designers and entrepreneurs alike. Here you will find a lot of start-ups with honest-to-goodness passion to share to whoever is interested. From fashion, to eco-living, to food, to art, to bikes, even!

THE RITUAL

The first shop I checked out was Ritual. I have read a lot about it and was curious. They sell all sorts of organic and natural products from all over the country. You see, I dream of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. But for some reason it is deemed more expensive therefore impractical to do so here in Manila.

Thanks to Ritual, the irony there is somehow beginning to fade away. As here, they make it affordable for you to live a life that's friendly to the environment. You can buy a little of everything and just go back when you run out. Quality of life is much valued here, that you don't have to worry if their produce is fresh or not. And when they tell you their coffee is extra strong, it is EXTRA STRONG.

 DUERR

I found a handful of interesting pieces here. If you are tired of run-of-the-mill fashion, then must-do Duerr.

 GOOD SPIRITS

I'll try the coffee here next time. Or maybe the wine.

NEW OLD BIKES

They refurbish old bikes like new so as to encourage people to ride bikes. Therefore reducing pollution caused by all the petrol consumed everyday in the metro. I will live for the day when {fashionable} people bike to work in Manila. Picture this.

Or this.

 (Images from The Sartorialist)

Then, we will have 'SARTORIAL' shots from Manila!

SUNDAE

A vintage shop I didn't have enough time to browse.

I went on a quiet afternoon and a lot of shops were closed. Don't be bummed when you encounter this as here, the shop owners don't get charged if they close early or don't open at all. Just make it a habit to come by once and a while and support these people who are actually doing something purposeful and amazing in our local retail scene.

To know more about The Collective, check out their blog here.

The Collective

7274 Malugay Street

San Antonio, Makati

Philippines

snaps from the weekend

The whole family is still on some sort of hangover from the holidays. Which somewhat explains my delinquency with writing and taking pictures too. Suffice to say, I don't have a lot of snaps from the weekend to share this time 'round.

The weekend was mellow and we liked it that way. A movie with Angelina + Depp + Paris +Venice {is a must-see for me no matter what the reviews say} and a play date for the kiddos while the folks drink themselves silly with Sangria, is the best. Those were the highlights of our weekend.

Angelina aka Elise in Paris. Her outfits were amazing but a tad too few..

 Being the biggest fan of the whole Christmas enterprise, she still thinks its the most wonderful time of the year as we still get squeals from her every time we pass some leftover Christmas lights. Oh and she still talks about her letter to Santa too. Ahhh.. kids, life is so much lighter in their eyes.

Hope your weekend was mellow yet awesome too.

Happy Weekend!

I vow to finish this {among other things} today, or at least over the weekend.

I've ran out of excuses to get back to doing things that make me feel productive the most. My hands are itching to finish and finally put a clasp on this little creation of mine. Time has not been on my side but now that the holidays are over, I have the weekend to get down and creative before it gets crazy again.

Mischka, please cooperate as I also vow to make the rest of the year prolific, creative, and innovative. 2011 is gonna be our year, my dear!

Wishing everyone an awesomely productive weekend!

Fantasy Closet {Dreaming of Paris}

Bonjour lovelies!

If there's a place on earth I wanna keep going back to, it's here. I ABSOLUTELY fell head over heels in love with this city, that my ultimate dream address {or one of} is an apartment on the 6th Arrondissement.

And if I ever lived here, my fantasy closet will be beaming with pleasure. What, with pieces suited for a Parisian lifestyle, I wouldn't have trouble blending in with the notoriously chic locals sans the accent and cigarette sticks {which will most probably give me away.}

The Elements:

1. Tsumori Chisato Slub Cashmere Fringe Jacket, lagarconne.com
2. Dace Aaron Blouse, dearfieldbinder.com
3. Vintage Christian Dior Gold Plated Clip Earrings, asos.com
4. RM by Roland Mouret Balthasar Skinny Pants, net-a-porter.com
5. YSL Tribtoo Suede Pumps, net-a-porter.com
6. Miu Miu Matelassé Bag, net-a-porter.com
7. Alexis Bittar Rope Gold Hinge Bracelet, alexisbittar.com
8. Moleskine City Notebook Paris, barnesandnoble.com
9. Gardener's Mint Soap, blackbirdballard.com 

Happy Wednesday c'est chic maman(s)!