Pretty Little Things

Fashion in general is not all about the clothes, sometimes it's those little things that make a look work and even create a statement.  Accessories can make or break an ensemble and when you have a must-have piece, nothing can go wrong.  Take for instance, these beautiful mini-bag/clutches by Janina Dizon Hoschka that can take style anytime and anywhere.  The perfect accent piece that comes in a variety of updated hues and high quality materials is definitely on the radar.  Being fashionable need not always come in big things, sometimes the things that matter come in little packages. Loving how these practical chic do come in handy from this season into the Summer 2012.  The perfect gift or investment for the fashion forward, these "handy" element of style go beyond just being pretty.  Janina Dizon Hoschka clutches are available in Cura V located in Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.

Return to Africa

Modern Africa is coming strong as one of the biggest trends in the coming year.  Safari fever is coming as renowned designer Michael Kors presented his Spring 2012 Collection. "Afriluxe is the new mood as it take tribal to ultra-high levels global style.  Earth tones such as limestone, olive, clay, impala antelope, creamy tones of ivory and warm sunset shades of amber sienna and cinnabar define the new palette of Africa.  Modern minimalism is creating an easy laid back feel as seen in soft djellabas, caftans, ponchos, capes sarongs and wind coats.  Style is in the raw presented with chic artisan textures such as distressed cashmere, linen, leather, patchworks and hand dyed fabrications.  
For Spring-Summer 2012, Michael Kors gives his classic sportswear some edge with tribal prints, bold tie-dye treatments, frayed edges, feathers, and python accents giving a new chic look to jetset dressing.

In the Philippines, Michael Kors is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.(SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’sMakati, The Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Newport Mall.

Tastemakers

Stealth is wealth.  There is a certain allure uncommon pieces have that makes them quite a novelty. Scarcity transcends into uniqueness and with this comes their most sought after attractions. They become the most-wanted and the must-haves until they have reached a certain level of popularity and diffuse into the vast landscape called mainstream.
A paradise of rare discoveries recently opened at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell called Cura V.  Founded by Emi Jorge, Kai Lim, Nicole Whisenhunt, Trisha Calma and Camille Ongpauco, this treasure trove of rarities is a lifestyle concept store which houses an eclectic mix of under the radar brands, up and coming designers together with established artists in fashion and design. 
Cura V, which means curated by five in Latin, is a well edited and manicured artists studio which serves as an exhibit space to showcase contemporary objects d’ art.  A feast for the senses, the discerning list includes Kai(body & fragrances), Anthousa(diffusers), Voluspa(candles, diffusers), Thomas Paul(home), Michelle d'Albert(home), Pure Rugs(home), Fallon(Jewelry), Chan Luu(Men's Jewelry), 13 Lucky Monkeys, Nicole Whisenhunt, Joyce Makitalo, Michelline Syjuco, Joanique, Natalya Lagdameo, Emi Jorge(Bags), Gabriel-Martel (Bags) and Joanique(Bags). Cura V boasts of  in house designs-candles and globally sourced novelty items sold exclusively at the boutique such as servers, trays, boxes, jewelry, candle holders, vases and home decor. Soon to come are Taschen books and globally renowned Alexis Bittar.
Cura V is a distinct perspective displaying an exhibition of the both tradition and contemporary.  Within its well designed space lies a visual spectacle of noteworthy exclusives where everyone wants to have and to hold.  Defining a priceless threshold for the uncommon, Cura V exemplifies luxe in a well-thought of point of view beyond the ordinary.

Timeless

A picture tells a story.  There is always something interesting about black and white images.  It has this certain quality which seemingly can be quite dramatic and surpass the test of time. One recent ad campaign caught this author's eye and made an impact with it's modern vintage appeal  that looked like an exposition on elegance.  Simple and chic, the latest  AK Anne Klein Fall 2011 Collection is all about versatile and practical pieces for every woman's day to day wardrobe. Perfect for today's career women, the brand presents a range of stylish pieces in classic silhouettes, tailored pieces, graphic prints and subtly textured menswear fabrics suitable for day to night dressing.  Key items for the season come in standout pieces such as shift dresses, blazers, detailed blouses and layering cardigans.  One can never go wrong with the classics, they have this endearing timeless appeal that will never go out of style.

In the Philippines, AK Anne Klein is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Shangri-La Plaza Mall. 

Valii High

Welcome to the world of the new luxury.  Where practically and style meet to form fashionable  creations for the active lifestyle.  Luxe brand Valii unfolds something new that's worth your precious time. Launching in cosmopolitan Manila in a few days is the soon to be most talked about piece from the outstanding fineries of renowned jeweler Anita Chan.  Chan's recent collaboration with fashion designer Michele Sison, and PR and Marketing expert Arnold Vegafria is taking to the forefront of the style-setting radar Valii's Gummy Schu collection . The latest in originally designed chic timepieces come in the most attractive colors and classic hues perfectly made for lasting good impressions.  These fascinating watches feature Italian craftsmanship with Swiss and Japanese movement for both men and women who breathe and live style. The fantastical array of unique colors and materials boasts of versatility suitable for modern dressing in the now lifestyle. These chic must-haves are creating a signature that go beyond showcasing the minutes and hours of the day.  Setting them apart from their contemporaries is the touch of distinctive elegance and prestige only a master jeweler can give. This season's most wanted masterpiece is no high maintenance and who's form and function is suitable anytime and anywhere. No doubt this is something new all fashion followers will look forward to as it highlights and compliments your everyday wardrobe.  The perfect element to welcome the season in style high.

Valii is exclusively available at Anita Chan located at 1st Level, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St., Makati City.  For more information you may call Tel: +63 2 898.1459 or

Telefax: +63 2 895.1359.

Its a Wrap

Who says that scarves are just for the cold weather?  In this hot hot hot season when the heat is at its peak, scarves rise to the occasion in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.  This time around they come conveniently in a much summer friendly fabrication and is used as an accent to an ensemble, a highlight of a certain look or even a wrap for a bikini.  Don't be afraid you might be committing a fashion crime coz you won't-there are more than a handful of ways to style the ever dependable scarf this season.  Fear not,  Massimo Dutti presents the latest must-have in a variety of amazing prints and trendiest of colors.  Florals, paisleys and even vintage-like appeal on uber soft fabrication can be transformed into a bandeau, haltered top, cover up, belt, headband or hair accessory-need I say more.  It wouldn't harm to carry a piece or two inside your tote because who knows, these handy must-buys could save you from the heat of the day.  It's a definite summer style essential to enhance your look for both fun and play. Don't be surprised, they have something cool for men too.

In the Philippines, Massimo Dutti is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5 and Power Plant Mall.

In the Mood

Weather weather weather.  What ever it is, it definitely sets the mood for the day.  Today, Manila was gloomy with a bit of rain here and there.  The darkness enveloping  the endless skies made me feel blah and sluggish.  Blame it on the weather as they say but it really dampened my spirits.  As the hours passed the weathered feeling wasn't getting any better.  I wasn't feeling ill or sick, neither was it negative, its just so pfffffffffftttttt (am sure you've had your days as well).  Day was slowly turining into night but had to make a quick stop to Poweplant Mall to meet up with a good friend before heading home. When I got to the mall, lo and behold a fascinating display of lights.

Light and Shade.

 

Orange and lemons.

 Spherical paper lanterns hanging in symmetrical patterns brought light at the end of my seemingly dark tunnel.  Bold oranges and yellows ( immediately brought to mind the Spring-Summer collection of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and Gucci) transformed my colored gray mood into bright.  Chinese New Year is coming up in a couple of weeks (February 3) and am quite excited to welcome the year of the Metal Rabbit. 



Luck luster.

  And with the new calendar here's goodbye to gloom doom mood swings and wishing a lot of optimism, joy and luck to all.