Carioca Crafty

L-R Mallorca/ Marina/ Martina

Having that unexpected "something" thrown-in is key to make an ensemble truly yours. I use this trick all the time. 

Being always smitten by brands evoking that certain global flair like Dries Van Noten and Marni, coupled with the fact that I like to create things with the use of my own bare hands-- result to handcrafted, statement-making pieces that can easily transform even the simplest of outfits.   

Just one of each kind. Available now at Chicify.

Clutched

Over the long weekend, Le Misch and I found time to make vignettes of my new clutches. I'm not just saying this. She really did help me with these. She picked out the accessories and was just eagerly putting things together, asking me if they match or not. Having a girl is just seriously fun, isn't it, mothers-of-little-girls? Of course, I have no idea how it is to have a boy but I bet its pretty awesome too. 

Moving on, may we present to you... the latest pieces to join our small collection. I have more in the works but these 4 are yours for the picking over at CHICIFY. 

The popular Jenna patchwork is back in new color combinations. Orange is a strong hue but when paired when an old favorite, Mr. Tan, with a bit of hair leather in zebra thrown-in, you get a nice mix of unexpected textures coming together like they were made for each other.

If orange is too much of a showstopper yet you still want something interesting, this tonal synthesis of hair calf leather, subtly shimmering bronze, and distressed tan is one for you. A closer look at it, here. 

The Kirstie is a personal favorite. I like the element of surprise it has in that vertical stripe of zebra-print hair leather. Tan for me is as classic as black and the POC (pop-of-color!) the brass zipper brings has just the right amount of zest.

Talk about zest and this Kirstie is full of it. It's in textured skin with leopard print hair leather vertically sliced in the middle. Add the yellow brass zipper to the equation and this one's definitely far from mellow.

These are all in full leather and are all lovingly handmade by local artisans. We only have limited pieces available as I know you like it like that. I do too.  

Momme Planner

You know me and planners. Those, notebooks, crisp beautiful paper, and smooth-writing pens are my guilty pleasures. No matter how digital our age can get, I will happily go back to my pen and paper. 

So picture my delight when I learned about the Momme Planner-- a planner for moms made by moms. Created by young mothers juggling many roles who knew the key to excelling in most if not all, is to be organized. It took them almost a year of research, surveys, and conceptualization to put together a product that is sure to work for their target market-- busy mothers, themselves. 

They pretty much thought of everything deemed useful for our lifestyle. Some of my favorite features are the document, medical, and financial trackers. You cannot leave your planners lying around though, as it has all these sensitive information!

Love how the daily schedule is laid out with labels for mom, dad, and kids. Well thought of.

The meal planner and the grocery lists are sure helpful in running a healthy and efficient household.

I've had mommy planners before but they were never as detailed as this. Important numbers and essential dates you constantly go back to are all listed in one place. 

I totally need a password tracker! Again, you cannot leave your planners lying around for everyone to see. 

You've seen the inside, wait til you see how the planner looks like from the outside. It comes in a cross-body and a French pochette in a bevy of neutral colors. 

The Posh Collection in icy silver, bubbly champagne, and warm cinnamon.

The Luxe Collection in silver, gold, antique, titanium, and blush.

The Exotic Limited Edition in bronze and platinum.

As mothers, we already have so much to do. With the Momme planner we can do so much more. For orders and inquiries, please call:

MANILA +63 917 803 5529;  +63 917 324 3779

CEBU      +63 917 322 0315

EMAIL     mommeplanner@gmail.com

Find them on FACEBOOK for more details.

It will be available in CHICIFY too! Watch out for it very soon. 

Happy Weekend

It's Friday and I'm not that ecstatic for the weekend. Only because it means our all-too-short sojourn to the hometown is coming to an end. We fly back to Manila tomorrow and one thing thats getting me worked up is Chicify's first ever pop-up shop at the Port88 Ready, Set, SALE! That and the little project my sister and I have decided to revive which explains the stash of vintage fabrics above. Of course a polka dotted booted miss likes to join in the fun. 

What plans have you laid out for the weekend? Set sale with us at Port88 if you've nothing exciting in the works. See ya!

dissection of an ensemble

A quick post before I head back to the grind. I've had a couple of challenging last-minute shoots thus it has been quiet around here. I can't wait for the weekend and for our short sojourn to the hometown next week, where time is just pleasantly slow. For now, here's an outfit post of what we wore running errands last week. 

This is the closest I can get to pajama dressing. For some odd reason, I cannot do the  light printed pants number no matter how comfortable it seems. Perhaps I haven't found the right print. Perhaps its just not me. I don't know. One thing I know is that I love peter pan collars and the scallop detail of this pair of shorts. 

I also love how such a happy, easy going child Mischka is turning out to be. Just look at that mirth on her face. Contagious.

Happy Long Weekend

There's nothing more exciting than unpacking new stocks. The downside is, I want to keep most if not all to myself. Ooops. Baubles, purses, even quirky chopstick trainers up soon in Chicify.

What are your plans for the weekend? Ours is extra long but we've decided on a little staycation and just enjoy the city at its quiet state. 

Have a good one lovelies.

Happy Weekend!

I'm a scallop kind of girl. So when greeted with a bunch of these today, my weekend is totally made. Up soon in CHICIFY.

Mischmash Picks {Chicify}

I've got my eyes on these pieces over at CHICIFY. The Cole Vintage Gardner Top looks easy to throw in with shorts, palazzos, or a printed skirt. I'm not much of a red person but I like the pop of red in it. TICA's Leather Satchel in that worn out green looks (and feels) so luxurious. I think even my laptop would be happy in it too. The CHICIFY Woven Tote in olive is a great everyday piece that could work easily into both of my city and beach wardrobes. And of course the CHICIFY Documents Tote. Who doesn't need one?

And the winner is..

Shake it. Drum it. Sit on it for good luck!

Pick one. Just one.

And the winner is.. JANIE of Hoo Goes Where! 

Congratulations Janie! Your Giovanna clutch will be on your way soon. To all who joined, thanks bunches! Mischka and I had so much fun doing this. It was definitely the best way to celebrate one year of blogging! 

And for those of you who weren't as lucky as Janie here, fret not, as I have a little something for you too! If you fancy one of my clutches, head over to CHICIFY and shop away as we are giving 10% discount off MIKKA PADUA clutches for our darling readers. Just enter coupon code "AML" upon checkout. Coupon code is valid only until Wed, June 22, 2011 so click away! 

First Year, First Ever Blog Giveaway!

Over the weekend, I had a surreal realization: I started blogging June of last year. So whoa! 1 year!! Honestly, I never really thought I'd enjoy doing this. I did it because I wanted to reach out to our friends and family back home when we were still based in Singapore. But over and beyond that it has become (at the risk of sounding cliche) an extension of myself. And for that, I am immensely grateful.

So lovelies, now that I have a good excuse to do a little giveaway, I am doing one so now.

As I was packing the stocks of yummy clutches I'm bringing to Singapore tomorrow (while getting nauseous by the wonderful scent of leather in the process) I thought why not give one to one lucky reader? And since I'm feeling the love, why not make her choose whatever of these she fancies?

Phoebe Envelope Clutch in full leather

Giovanna Foldover Envelope Clutch in suede and croc leather

Jenna Patchwork Envelope Clutch in different textured leather and gold-tone hardware

I've been working on these envelope clutches for the stores I consign with in Singapore. The last one I designed for Substance. All of these will also be made available through Chicify. 

To give you an idea of the size of the clutches, I had our intern, Dani, take photos of me today for that purpose. It's light and roomy and may be on the oversized side and I loved it like that! I honestly couldn't pick a color to keep for myself. Oh well. 

As how to win a clutch of your choice? Here are the easy, breezy steps:

1. Follow A Mischmashed Life on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)

2. Follow A Mischmashed Life on Bloglovin. (1 entry)

3. Follow @mischmashmikka on Twitter. (1 entry)

4. Like Chicify on Facebook. (1 entry)

5. After doing so and if you are already a follower of any or all of the above, please let me know by leaving a comment below and with each step done, you get 1 corresponding entry.

And lastly, don't forget to tell me which of the ladies you'd like to have! A winner will be announced when I get back from Singapore next week. Goodluck lovelies! 

**UPDATES! I totally forgot to say that this giveaway is open to all readers (local and international!) and if you want to get more chances of winning, blog about this giveaway with a link back to this site (+5 entries) and retweet (+3 entries). Make sure you let me know about it!

life's a beach

Chicify has released it's limited edition hand painted beach totes. Aren't they too cute to pass up on? Wherever you're headed this summer, don't ever compromise style. Your beach tote is just as important as your bikini, I think. 

Love Your Own Challenge

Thursday, I was channeling the 70's with homegrown pieces being a neckpiece I hand crafted, a Kathy Webb statement ring, and as you can see I haven't changed bags in 3 days now. Still loving the Loxton canvas tote from Chicify. 

Love Your Own Challenge

Wednesday was hot, I opted for shorts. Homegrown pieces include the Faith Hope Love Spring 2011 top in bold coral stripes, Cole Vintage sandals, and once again the Chicify canvas tote.

Faith Hope Love and Cole Vintage are available at The Ramp with details here. 

Love Your Own Challenge

Im playing catch up with my challenge. Turns out, what's more challenging is posting outfit looks everyday! You see, I'm not much of a subject for the person behind the lenses, in this case our nanny-- hah!

Yesterday's homegrown pieces were the Faith Hope Love drapey jersey top (on heavy rotation due to its versatility), Pill sandals I scored for a song, Jean & Rosz studded bracelet, and the chic and roomy Loxton canvas tote from Chicify.


Faith Hope Love and Pill available at The Ramp with details here. 

So far so good.