Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Dissection of Ensembles {Palazzo + Olive Green Cargo}

Finally got my palazzo fix and wore this to the Bloggers United Bazaar last Friday. Button down top by Pink Manila, Onyx deer necklace from Legazpi Sunday Market, Mango belt, Miu Miu bag, Nixon watch and orange palazzo pants soon available via Chicify! Oh and the shoes which are not seen in the photos due to my 'can-be-overwhelming-but-I-totally-love-it' pants are black wedges from Aldo. 

Someone had a blog-worthy outfit too. Yesterday we went to visit her doctor and she wore this. Too cute for words! The olive green cargo her Dad got her from H&M fit her perfectly! We paired it with a striped navy and white tee from SM and her favorite Marc Jacobs inspired mouse flats from Florsheim. 

Just thought I'd share with you on a Tuesday morning. 

Monday, May 30, 2011

Mischmash Chic Guides {Closet Staples}

Being chic when you're a mum is not rocket science. A few pieces in your closet will be your saving grace for days when fashion's just the last thing on your mind. 8 closet staples I rounded up for you. Meet your building blocks of style. 


Here's to a week's good start!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Happy Weekend!

I bookmarked Joanna Goddard's guide to a perfect cheese plate, hoping to use it one day. She gave useful tips, cheese recommendations, and pairings. And as I love myself a cheese, I plan to throw a small cheese party someday. But before anything else, I have to get myself a cheese cutter and some cheese knives. And of course, I've got to know my cheese!

Thus, taking this slight cheese obsession further has gotten me to sign up for an afternoon of cheese with cheese master Neil Willman on June 4 at Wine Depot Reposo. Let's see how that goes.

What are your plans this weekend lovelies? Here's to wishing it involves some wine and cheese (perhaps paired with walnuts, fresh grapes, crackers, and sour dough baguette)!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

I covet thee..

Tommy Ton, your photos give me palpitations. Seriously. Looking at them right before hitting the sack is not a good idea. Now I can't sleep. I want these YSL Slant Wedges.

BFC's Chic Moms Club

I happened to be invited to Bounty Fresh's Chic Moms Club website launch last week. It was held at the glitzy Salon de Ning at the Manila Peninsula. I entered the venue curious and excited. And a tad early so I started snapping pictures of the praise worthy interiors. 
The Chic Moms Club is a go-to place on the web for the busy, tech-savvy, and albeit chic moms out there. It has tips on cooking, fashion, home, travel, health, and almost everything else that concerns a mom. 
Bounty Fresh Chicken Ambassador, Ms. Lea Salonga, graced the event and sang a medley of songs, much to the delight of the chic moms who attended.
Manila's top chefs were also there to give their take on the freshness and plumpness of the chicken, vacuum-packed in state-of-the-art facilities. With Chef Sau del Rosario tagging it as the "Angus of dressed chicken."
I had a wonderful time meeting fellow moms and bloggers, Tiff and Sarah.
I was eyeing the utterly cute basket tote from RIIR and guess who brought one home for being the Chic Mom of day? (Wearing a Possibility jumpsuit, vintage belt, Aldo wedges, and a Kathy Webb statement ring.)

Le Misch was shrieking in delight when I showed her the basket and filled it with her toys in no time. So much for my chic plan to use it as a picnic basket! 

So to all of us who are still mastering the juggling act of motherhood, it's comforting to know that we have easy access to tools like the Chic Moms Club, which can one way or another help make our load lighter.  Be a CMC member now!



Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Fantasy Closet {Little White Dress}

I love me a little white dress and as I am off to a white event later this afternoon, I was thinking how versatile the LWD can be. It gives you liberty to accessorize to the nines and not be OTT'd. 

The Elements:
  1. Halston Split Sleeve Dress
  2. Mawi Cabouchon Necklace
  3. Christian Louboutin Daffodil Suede Platforms
  4. Calypso St. Barth Pocahontas Purse
  5. Gala Curious Concertina Gold Ring
Have a stylish Wednesday, lovelies.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

DIY Al Capone-meets-Hamptons Gentleman Party

The Mr. just turned 35. He's not big on parties and neither is the Mrs. I wanted to make it extra special for him, though. And since I'm BIG on DIY homegrown fetes, I called upon my 2 good friends whom I always consult with in times like these and together we envisioned and executed an intimate and meaningful celebration. 

Occasion: The Mr. turns 35.
Theme: Al Capone-meets-Hamptons Gentleman
Location: Wine Depot Reposo
Food: Asian fusion by Purple Feet
Wine: Lots of Chardonnay and some red. We were in Wine Depot, after all.
Noteworthy details: Stripes and Wingtips

The invitation and the personalized tobacco and matchbox as name cards.
The table cloth was canvas hand painted with bold black stripes. Place mats were striped gift wrappers and those colorful striped fabric I got from Fanbi.
I borrowed my mum's battery-operated christmas lights she got from Ikea and saw my vision of 'dinner under the stars' come to life.
To celebrate 35 years of his life, I put together his top 35 things from hair products to major milestones. 
35 cupcakes with stripes and wingtips.
The girls wore stripes.
While the boys wore hand made striped bow ties and wingtips stick-ons.
Pat, our yogi friend, finding time to do a pose in her fabulous striped Salsa Trends dress.
I asked 2 things of him that day: wear a dress shirt and not to work late. 
It was a happy moment with the night ending on a high note (and the Mrs. having a little too much wine).

Special thanks to my accomplices Penelope Uy and Vicky Marchadesch.  To Anthony Co for the fabulous photography. And to all our wonderful friends who were all so game, dress code, theme, and all. I wouldn't have done it without you guys.  

Cheers to the Mr. and his 35 years! 


Monday, May 23, 2011

Mischmash Recommends {ELLEments of Personal Style}

A magazine junkie, a coffee table collector, a fashion lover or all of that rolled into one will absolutely love this compilation of modern-day style icons' take on personal style.
I can spend hours browsing a bookstore's hard bound books area on fashion and design. When I came across this, I didn't think twice and headed straight to the check out counter.

I've always love how ELLE layout their pages. I guess, I'm an ELLE kind of girl, more than I am of VOGUE.
This book is one for keeps. It knows no era, season, nor trends. Something I know I'd still be flipping and poring over 5 or 10 years from now. And I have a funny feeling, Le Misch will later on appreciate it too.

You can buy through bookstores near you or via Amazon.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Prabal Gurung x J.Crew


Another exciting collab revealed! Fashion's newest darling, Prabal Gurung, has teamed up with all-time favorite J.Crew for a very limited collection. I was curious how Prabal's aesthetic will cross-pollinate wtih J.Crew's glam-meets-tomboy appeal.
Well oh well. A lot of bows going on but looks amazing all in all. I especially like those pants! And that suit is a refreshing take on the classic and should be fun to wear to the boardroom.

With another fab collab release set this September (Target x Missoni!), sometimes I really wish I live stateside.

(images via J.Crew and Stylecaster)

Friday, May 20, 2011

Guest Blogger Series {Norbyah of I'm a Norbyah}



My name is Norbyah. I teach high school in Hong Kong and am a mother of three. I keep my own blog, which is a mix of all the things I am, called I’m a Norbyah. I love the blogging world and it is here that I came across Mikka’s blog while I was surfing the net for a maxi skirt. I soon discovered that besides being mothers, she and I share other interests, too, like our love of fashion. (No mum-jeans here!) I was thrilled that she invited me to be a guest blogger this month.

What I learned eight years ago is that there is a subtle guilt that comes along with being a mother. The guilt that you’ve let your child down by working, that you can’t be patient all the time, and especially the guilt that you can’t be in all places all the time to make sure that every moment of childhood is just as you hope it will be for your children. It used to bother me, but I’ve learned not to let it. It is what it is.

What makes motherhood work for me is balance and finding it has taken time. I don’t dare say that I have it figured out yet, but here is what is working for me at this moment in my life.


He’s always involved and present. He’s hands on with the kids and they see us as a team. He recognizes when I need a break (sometimes better than I do) and often encourages me to get out on my own. That said, we also make sure to spend time together as a couple. The foundation of healthy parenthood is a happy marriage. We try to role model a mutually respectful relationship for our kids and let them know that we need time to be ourselves, too. (After all, before they came, it was just us).


I’m lucky to have my mother living in Hong Kong. We work together and she is a key part of our lives. The kids have a solid relationship with her and look forward to time spent with her. She comes along to art lessons, soccer and ballet and she encourages my kids to be themselves.


I am a high school English teacher. Outside of the classroom, I get to work with kids in a variety of ways through being an advisor for the dance group and our environmental club. Though my job is not without it’s challenges, I can honestly say I love it. And I couldn’t be a working mother if the job that takes me away from my kids was not a fun one.

In Hong Kong, I feel fortunate to have a group of friends who enjoy the same things I do or are mothers themselves (and can commiserate and celebrate) or both! It’s important to take time to do things with my girlfriends and to preserve ‘me’ separate from being a mum.

My indulgence each morning is my homebrewed Lavazza latte. Having grown up in Malaysia, I am admittedly a sweet tooth when it comes to coffee, so I add two huge spoonfuls of sugar. The day just doesn’t start until I’ve had my latte.


I got this idea from Soule Mama’s blog a few years ago. Like me, she is familiar with the juggling act that is motherhood so she goes on solo dates with each of her children. When we have time off from school, I set aside a time for each child, let them choose what we do and give them my undivided attention for that time. It’s fun for them, but even more fulfilling for me. I love getting to hear only one voice, uninterrupted by siblings. I highly recommend this to all you mummies out there.

Admittedly, some of my hobbies have fallen by the wayside since having three children, but I try to make a little time for them. I love to knit (my mother taught me). I’ve got a cardigan for my nephew on the sticks right now. I also love to read (I’m part of a book club). Finishing books just takes longer these days. (I’ve just picked up Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother – it intrigued me). I love fashion and fashion/style blogs. Getting dressed is just fun. I got my maxi skirt fix, but now I’m on the hunt for palazzo pants. And finally, I love to take pictures (mostly of my children). I have a Canon SLR camera and I enjoy learning new things to do with it.


So, now you have it. My up-to-the-minute recipe for “what keeps me sane.” Most days, anyhow.

**All images by Norbyah. Artwork by Mikka.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Effortless


Ahhh.. the look of effortlessness is just so refreshing.. Olivia P. looking like a Parisian in New York. Pleated maxi, straw tote, button-down shirt.

Have an effortless Thursday lovelies.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Fantasy Closet {Short Story}

I can't seem to wear anything tight and clingy nowadays. It's just too hot, it's unbearable! Though I'm lucky I don't have to wear dreary suits to show up at work, I still have to look the part somehow. My choice of bottoms is a pair of shorts. I need some that are decent enough to wear to meetings and whatnots and this striped pair is just that.

The Elements:
  1. Jane Norman striped shorts
  2. Reiss Greta Silk Henley Top
  3. Barneys New York Nautical Rope Tote
  4. Zara Open Toe Wedges
  5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Faceted Bangle
  6. Kenneth Jay Lane Brown Agate Bangle
  7. O.P.I. Limited Edition Brittania Collection

Mischmash Stylish Mama {May}

Kathy Webb, business owner (Basement Salon), statement jewelry designer, and an amazing mother of 6.
Handmade pendant necklaces. I spent a good couple of hours poring over her pieces. One could easily see the thought process, love, and fine craftsmanship invested in each and every piece.
These, are what you call STATEMENT rings. 
Quirky rings upcycled from telephone wires! 
More on her quirkiness and her penchant for dolls. 
Pretty Olivia came along for the shoot.

Describe your personal style?
I'd have to say it's eclectic. I love keeping up with the trends but I put my own spin on it. My style is a little boho, a little glam hippie, a little punk, and definitely a little rock and roll.


What are you wearing this summer?
Dressing for summer is always fun. I always try to keep things playful and not so serious. Right now I am wearing alot of caftans, long flowing tunics, tissue thin tees, with jeans and denim cut-offs. My accessories are colorful and whimsical.


Closet staples?
Cotton tanks to layer, caftans for the ease and glamour of it, a lot of jersey pieces. They are so easy to wear and oh so flattering!

What is that one piece you can't live without fashion motherhood-wise?
Am liking the jersey jodphurs, that have been out for a while, some fashion magazines have deemed them to be shelved, but I cant live without them.You can wear them with slippers and a tank, or take it to the eve with heels and load-up on accessories, so easy and versatile!

How are you influencing your children's personal styles?
I take them shopping, and give them suggestions on what will work for them and what wont. Thank goodness they actually listen. In general, i ask them to stay away from loud colors and tacky prints. EWW!


Style icons?
I love the look of SJP in Sex and the City. I love the style of DVF, Nicole Richie, Jade Jagger, and Helena Christensen.

Tip or 2 for all mums out there who want to stay stylish amidst all the hullabaloo motherhood brings? Any shopping advice?
First you have to know your style. A style that you are comfortable and confident in. It may be the minimalist look, or over the top, it doesn't matter, as long as you rock your stuff. It's about wearing your look with conviction. I am always on the lookout for unique pieces. I am not particular about where I shop. From department stores to small boutiques to tiangges.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your collections?
I am into recycling big time so everything around me inspires me. Like bottle caps, twigs, shells,and electrical wires. Normal everyday things can become works of art. I am attracted to color, and unique color combinations always catch my eye.

Where can we buy them?
My art is available at TwoChic located at level 2 Power Plant Mall.


___________

She is one superwoman and I am grateful to have met her. In the few times we've been together, I have already made a collection of Kathy Webb statement rings. Next time we see each other, I bet I'd be adding to my growing collection, one of those pretty pendant necklaces.

Thank you Kathy for being such a great inspiration to me and hopefully to mothers who get to read this. I honestly don't know how you do it. Over and beyond motherhood, you have amazing talent and style. I am in awe.

____________

Shot on location at Basement Salon, Power Plant Mall.
Photography by Anthony Co.
Kathy wore a beautiful jersey dress by TwoChic

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Click on the Prelude.