Fantasy Closet {The Midi}

The hemlines are dropping or rising-- whichever is relative to your length preference. One thing's for sure, the mid-length skirt is back and though I know it's no easy feat to pull off, here's a little punchy concoction for today's fantasy closet visit.

I am away for a half business, half pleasure trip and is currently somewhere a tad cold and chilly, hence my fantasy for a yummy, fruity, summery ensemble. A pretty midi skirt, anyone?

The Elements:

1. Varndell Twill Midi Skirt
2. Delias Watermelon Spot Print Racer Back
3. Stella McCartney Alexa Woven Shoulder Bag
4. Elva Fields Fool for a Fete Necklace
5. Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Mary Janes

Happy stylish Wednesday, lovelies!

Style Stalking {The Glamourai}

If you have immersed yourself in fashion blogland long enough to know its superstars, then you must not just know but adore The Glamourai.

If not, then ladies, meet Kelly Framel. To me, she is the epitome of fantabulous high-low fashion and her sense of print mixing is just beyond amazing. It's girls like her who make fashion so much fun and within reach.

Thank you Kelly for inspiring and I hope you don't mind that I'm style stalking.

Weekend Tidbits

We had a great weekend. Saturday was all about errands but Sunday was a day of sailing fun! Well, for hubby at least. As he, and 2 other friends sailed away, we cheered and prayed, they all come back in one piece! The waters were a tad rough but with an expert sailer with them, they all came back safe and sound with some stories to tell about the lake and the lake within a lake. 

If you want to try sailing, go here. And lest I forget, that eye-popping weekend tote is perfect for  summer escapades and is now available via chicify.com. 

The great weekend that was. How was yours?

Philanthropic Fashion

(via the ever fabulous apartment34)

Shop for a red Rebecca Minkoff and $100 goes to Red Cross in aid of Japan. They're doing this until they have come up with a much greater initiative with other industry players. It's amazing how so many are trying long and hard to reach out and help rebuild Japan. And Rebecca Minkoff is giving us a very good excuse to shop. Tee-hee!

How's your weekend faring so far? 

Product Review {Droplets Of Nature Dishwashing Liquid}

Le Misch and I are always on the look out for great products that have good value for money. Nowadays we all have to be practical (even frugal sometimes) when it comes to a lot of things. We've had some hits and misses but the fun part is when we find something amazing, we just got to share.

Hence this product review segment we're starting and first off is this dishwashing liquid from Droplets of Nature which we now use to clean and wash her bottles and 'china.'

It's dubbed as the community detergent. Made of coconut-based surfactant instead of the sodium lauryl sulfate making it gentle on your skin but tough enough to cut grease, milk and dish debris. It comes with natural skin moisturizer and a yummy cinnamon scent. I think its available in several other scents too. I picked the cinnamon and I'm happy with it. 

This product is formulated and developed by YAFE Inc. to help provide decent source of livelihood for women in rural communities of Laguna, Philippines. 

The best part yet is the price. I got this giant 1 litre for Php 250 ($5, S$7)! It's actually Php270 but the kind lady gave us a discount. Find the YAFE Inc. booth every weekend at Mercato Centrale. They sell soaps and other eco friendly goodness too.

Oh and just so you know, we used to use the Pigeon Bottle Nipple Vegetable Liquid Cleanser prior to our little discovery. I have always found the Pigeon a tad too expensive. If I'm not mistaken, it's around Php500 for a 700ml bottle. But it was the only thing in the market then when Mischka was just an infant. Now that she's a toddler, I can relax a little bit and not be too antsy when it comes to these things.

We're just happy we found droplets of nature in the form of a dishwashing liquid. We get to save without hurting our planet while helping some women have better lives. 

72-Hour Kit

Upon arrival at our halfway home this evening, coming from a weekly visit to the grand folks down south, I mentioned to our nanny/help to remind me to put together an emergency kit essentially for Le Misch, in the event of a calamity of any magnitude occurs.

I am still devastated by the unfathomable disaster that hit Japan and I thought, we all have to be prepared in any way we can, right?

(via)

And just as I was thinking about our emergency kit, I came across Stephmodo's preparedness process. Yes! What we need is a 72-hour kit! But what to put inside? My nanny's first thought was-- flashlight! Smart. So far here's my list:

• Flashlight or head lamps
• Milk in small packages
• Power bars (love this idea from Stephmodo!)
• Important documents- passports, birth certificates, etc. (again from Stephmodo)
• Clothes for the little girl
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Alcohol
• First-Aid Kit
• One of Mischka's favorite stuffed toy (trivial, I know, but it will help calm her down when things get crazy)
• Some cash
• Vitamins
• Paracetamol, anti-allergy meds

It would also be good to have one of these again via Stephmodo. 

Are you also putting together your 72-hour kit or have one prepared already? Please do share what's in it.

Fantasy Closet {Parisian Chic}

While we're at it, might as well try one of Ines' Parisian Chic tips today. An evening dress with a straw bag in lieu of the ubiquitous gold clutch is refreshing. Kick off the pumps and let some bejeweled flat sandals do the talking (and the walking). 

Throw on a not-so-classic leopard lined blazer and finish off with a good dose of charm and confidence. You might just get a little bit of that je ne c'est quoi these French girls have going on.

The Elements:

1.  Zimmerman Noir Gold Tube Maxi Dress
2. OQ Black Blazer 
3. Topshop Cram Straw Woven Twist Lock Purse
4. Giuseppe Zanotti Embellished Sandals 
5. Mark Davis Lucy Ring
6. YSL Paris EDT

Parisian Chic

I hardly have time to catch up on my reads, but this one falls under collection pieces, that's nice to have and go back to every once on awhile especially when you're a lover of all things Parisian. 

French model Ines de la Fressange is sharing priceless styling tips on effortless glamour in this must-have style guide. Truly a purveyor of Parisian chic, her do's and dont's come with charming drawings by Ines herself.

(via Lonny)

My favorite tips are number 1 and number10. What's yours?

10. Jeans with gem-encrusted sandals (not sneakers)

1. An evening dress with a straw handbag (not with a gold clutch)

Moi, 4 years ago in Paris, pre-Mischka, sans the Parisian Chic Style Guide. 

I absolutely love Paris. I am crossing my fingers I get to go back and when I do, I'm bringing my petite fille with me. 

The Parisian Chic Style Guide is available via Amazon.

Style Stalking {Sarah Rutson}

(Images via gastrochic.com, coolspotters.com, frontstyle.com)

Lane Crawford's fashion director Sarah Rutson's style is kind of laid-back yet pulled-together. She has a knack for giving current trends her own personal spin ever so effortlessly. Needless to say, I like style stalking her. 

Weekend Tidbits

A good cup of coffee at Espressamente on a Saturday morning. The ubiquitous duck feeding. A perfect 'stumble upon' of good food and organic produce at Mercato Centrale. And an afternoon of swinging {in lieu of swimming} at a BBQ swimming fete.

. 

A wonderful weekend filled with good things and good friends. The weekend that was.

How was yours?

P.S. I found a good dishwashing liquid for Le Misch made by YAFE. It's eco-friendly and has this yummy cinnamon scent. Best of all it's so much cheaper than the Pigeon Bottle Cleanser we usually get. Find their booth at Mercato Centrale every weekend!

{Back In The Pink, Therefore} Happy Weekend!

I'm pleased to announce that finally the coast is clear (clearer, at least). The little miss is a lot better and we were out today, not to see the doctor, but to buy wine! 

Happy, healthy weekend you all!

Greens, Lemons, and Tangerines

via thesartorialist

I'm new at pinterest and boy have I been pinning away! One of the first images I pinned was this. Isn't she refreshing to say the least?

That skirt is TDF (to-die-for)! I just love how she used the color palette and create a look that's so, so 'sartorialist' worthy. 

And with that, I have this.

I want a dose of what she's having (or wearing) with these yummy summer pieces.

Lenny Deep V Maillot

Jerome Dreyfuss Max Python Tote

Versace Polka Dot Cotton Micro Shorts

Owen and Savary Salome Ostrich Leather Cuff

Area Code Luggage Tag

Juicy Couture Sandals

Splendid Knot Top

To usher in a great weekend, serve yourself some greens, lemons, and tangerines, lovelies!

Salt Water Sandals Private Sale

I got this through a forwarded email from a friend. It says 'private sale' but I don't think it's that private. So I'm sharing with you! 

I've always wanted a pair of Salt Water Sandals for Le Misch but I feel like it's just a little too much for feet that grows by the minute. I decided to just wait it out. Maybe when she's a little bigger.. But then, this sale!! With the discount, it's not so bad anymore. 

I like the tan original. It's something she can wear to bits. I'm crossing my fingers, they still have it in their size.

If you're interested, email saltwatersandals.ph@gmail.com or call 0917.9779378. I'm dialing now as I wrap this up.

Eye for Detail {Dries Van Noten}

Dries Van Noten Fall 2011

via style.com

Every season I look forward to seeing what this guy will send down the runways. The clever mix of textures and materials, the world traveler charm, and the overall styling, Dries Van Noten inspires me to the core. 

I dare you mummies. We can all channel Dries. 

Fantasy Closet {a little girl's spring wish list}

Dear Mischmash readers, 

My Mama is letting me sit in for today's fantasy closet visit as I have been extremely bored at home, trying to get rid of my wicked cough and colds. I, therefore, will share with you what I have been mulling over ever since I developed a penchant for pretty things, which was at the tender age of 1 or so, if I remember right. 

I have always wanted a trunki but my parents think it's utterly  impractical. I think it's utterly cute. I am currently fascinated with dinosaurs so books and stories about it are on top of my list. Some chambray, stripes, leopard sandals, a tan saddle bag, and some red mocassins would spruce up my Spring wardrobe, and so my Mama thinks. 

Care to share what's topping your Spring wish list?

xoxo,

le m

dissection of an ensemble {mini version}

The little miss has been cooped up much lately and all of our trips out have only been to the doctor's clinic. Dire efforts to cheer up the household have brought me to dress her up in happy bold colors.

Yesterday she was channeling Gucci Spring 2011.

 Well at least the use of bold colors set against gold accessories. Teehee!

The Elements:

Magenta Owl Top, SM

Teal Harem Pants, SM

Gold Mary Janes, Pediped

'Tis just one of my little ways to cope with caring for a sick child. That and loads and loads of unconditional love. 

How do you cope?

Flattered and Humbled {Jean and Rosz Feature}

On a much lighter note, let me share with you a sweet feature Jean&Rosz, the hippest accessory line in town and a personal favorite, did on me, Le Misch, and some of my prized possessions- my baubles! 

 

I am flattered and humbled. Thank you Jean& Rosz. Keep the fabulous baubles coming!

To read the rest of the feature, head on to Jean&Rosz's blog. Check out their collections too, while you're at it! ( I am smitten by their LUXE line!)

Have a light and wonderful Monday you all! Keep safe too.

Fretful, Tired, Grateful

What will be left of it for our children?

(via Etsy)

With my daughter being sick for days now, I am not exactly in high spirits. My total being is consumed by her each time she's unwell. I dare not complain. I am just a little tired. Yet grateful, that in spite of the wicked cough and colds along with the stressful high temperatures, the little girl is taking it all in stride, ever so sweetly and gracefully.

And then there's that great tragedy in Japan. Watching the news, breaks my heart. With all these things happening to our dear planet, I am deeply bothered as to what will be left of it for our children.

I have to do something. We all have to something. Now.

[A Closetful of} Happy Weekend!

"My beach clothes are a lot different from my city clothes."

- Meg Braff  

(via the fabulous Erin of House of Turquoise)

I wish I could say the same. I wish I had a Palm Beach wardrobe. Never mind the Palm Beach beach house. 

Seeing this makes me want to hit the beach this weekend, and the weekend after that, and the weekend after that weekend... Too bad our little queen bee is under the weather. Recent nights have been sleepless and crude. Please get better soon, sweet girl. We need to go to the beach. Even if our beach wardrobe is not as fabulous as this.

Have a fun weekend you all! (Spend it at the beach for us please!)

Manila Now!

A fourth of our precious weekend last time was spent checking out what's up in the world of Philippine Furniture Design.  I love all things Filipino and I sincerely think our country is home to the best in furniture design and craftsmanship. 

 Love the total look of this space.

Interesting statement pieces from Locsin International.

She just had to tag along. Kids were not allowed to roam and run around so she got so bored all strapped up. Poor girl.

 

I like this chair made out of bamboo.

And I want this book stand cum lamp.

Want to catch the next Manila Now? Click here for more info.