Multi-tasking Dresses for Multi-tasking Women

Aren't we always on the lookout for pieces that would give us the most value for money? Numbers we take the most style mileage of are not exactly that easy to find. There are of course those that cost a dent on our pockets which I kinda like to avoid. Hence my excitement when my good friend Roselle, decided to further her design career by creating pieces that have several ways around it. Introducing CoCoChicka-- a line of unique pieces that are refined, chic, and highly versatile. It's core line includes convertible (multiway) frocks that you can wear from sun up to sun down-- multi-tasking dresses that every smart girl should have in her closet.

What follows are ways to wear the Maida dress and where to take it to. I personally think the Maida has the most uses for a working mother like me. 

I will..

and top it off with a jacket in eye-popping cobalt blue. Burgundy hued accessories seem to be a good fit to play down the starkness of the jacket. Of course, it's never complete without a dose of baubles. 

I will...

for a more laid-back look with a pair of fun wedges taking this otherwise somber colored frock to new heights. A white tote is always a nice way to signal the weekend in. 

I will...

with exotic skinned pointy flats. Add minimal and understated accessories to complete the look.

I will...

by taking the dress up a notch with bejeweled pumps, a pretty clutch, and gold jewels.

Who doesn't adore a frock you can take from work to weekends, even to a wedding? These are not all, mind you. There are 2 other ways you can rock this frock but with four alone, I am nothing short of impressed. 

CoCoChicka has as lot of other dresses in various colors. Best to pick one that truly suits your lifestyle. Each dress costs P1998, divide that by the number of ways you can use it-- that's only P333 a dress! Not bad, huh?

Know more about CoCoChicka on Facebook.

Shop CoCoChicka on Multiply.

**All product images are from Net-a-Porter.com

Three Reasons

I've three lame reasons why I want to live stateside. Target. J Crew. Anthropologie. Not much to say really, except that my yearning magnifies nearing Missoni x Target's release. Sigh.

P.S. Mischmash Ipanema giveaway is still on!

Bangkok Fix

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities to visit. If most people can hardly get enough of Hong Kong, I, can never get enough of Bangkok. The heady mix of culture, design, fashion, food and the altogether impact the city brings each time I set foot, gives me a certain high no other Asian city can. Lest we forget the kindness and good-naturedness of the Thais. 

Chatuchak Weekend Market, check.

Jim Thompson, check.

Vintage finds, check.

Phadthai, check.

Refreshing fruits, check.

Thai local design, check.

Needless to say, I got my Bangkok fix and then some. Cap that off with the best foot massage in town and to say that we had a productive business trip is a huge understatement. Yes, it was a business trip that sure doesn't look like one. Only in Bangkok, 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. 

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

life as a pouch knows it

We know women so well we also created these pouches.

 

Made of laminated canvas and genuine leather. Going for Php 300 (7 USD) or Php 1000 for all four! Sweet deal, isn't it?

Available at the ongoing Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar. Last day today from12 noon to 12 midnight.  

Happy holiday shopping!

life as a bag knows it

Collaborated with 2 other mums mastering juggling acts of motherhood, better halves, entrepreneurs, and above all independent women-- that and the fact we all lug things around every single day leading our oh so mischmashed lives.

Hence these.

 

Nothing stellar. Just plain chic and functional everyday totes to add ease and flair to your everyday lives. 

Made of high quality laminated canvas and leather handles, these are big enough to hold your needs for the baby, for working out, for the weekend, and for your trip to the supermarket! All these you can do in style. And for Php 880 (19 USD), how can you go wrong?

 So cheeky and so happy.

Catch the Rockwell Moonlit Bazaar this weekend beginning today at 12noon and grab a tote (or 2).

Happy Christmas shopping and happy long weekend!!! 

checking in from hong kong

Yes I am a little early for the Lanvin x H&M reveal, but no ladies, I am not here for that. (Well, of course, I kinda wish I was.) Hubby, who's here for business, was kind enough to have me tag along on the premise I won't be doing so much damage (on our bank accounts).

I have some stuff to do and places to go but essentially I am here to refuel on creative juices. Just a 2-hour plane ride and you're transported to another universe-- this vibrant, intoxicating city never fails to inspire me.

At the moment I am at my favorite hideaway, where there's good coffee and free wifi. I have to get some work done before I hit the outlets this afternoon. I know, I know.. I haven't forgotten my pact with dear hubby but what's an afternoon trip to Lane Crawford and Joyce outlets, not too mention Space?! Who knows, I might just find the inspiration I'm looking for there. (Wink- wink)

The Vintage Country

I am in constant search for beautiful things even in the most unlikely places. And whenever I come across a pretty discovery, no matter how random it may be, happy as a clam it will make me.

Just recently Le Misch and I stumbled upon The Vintage Country. A shabby-chic, French country vintage-inspired retail shop with a plethora of pretty offerings.

 The yellow and blue bird cage we got for my Mum and she absolutely loved it! Oh and for PHP 550 (USD 12.50) it's a steal!!! They only have 5 pieces of the bird houses and the only one left that time was the equally charming red and blue one.

They will soon offer etiquette workshops for little ladies. Too bad Le Misch is under aged for it.  I heard about tea parties too. I am so loving the concept.

We are going back for that life sized (Mischka's size) Matryoshka doll. I am still in the process of fixing up a room for the little one and that Russian doll would be a nice finishing touch. Uhhmm, you see, I am obsessed with these dolls ever since a trip to Russia 3 years ago, when I brought home right about 10 nesting dolls (or was it 12?) Did I mention, the life sized doll is only PHP 450 (USD 10)? Again-- a steal!!!

A lot of chic painted wrought iron furni and lovely breakable knick-knacks. It's hard to leave this place without buying anything. That is if you happen to have a penchant for vintage-inspired, unique pieces. 

Here are some of the things you'll find at this charming shop.

Vintage Circa 1970's Hanging Chair, PHP 13000 (USD 295)

Teal High Back Chair, PHP 8000 (USD 180)

Vintage Fabric Bulletin Cork Boards, price unavailable

Lucy Vintage-inspired Luggage, price unavailable

Vintage-inspired Necklace, PHP 300 (USD 6)

Now isn't this place worth a trip down south? 

The Vintage Country

Casa Susana Building

Beside Alabang Town Center 

Madrigal Avenue, Ayala Alabang Muntinlupa

Philippines