Hey [Grand]MA! W'sup?

We tend to stereotype floral dresses as old lady apparel. It is for this very reason that it initially boggles the mind when one is told that such dresses are back in style. Albeit that our beloved old ladies or grandmothers may be the most nurturing women in our lives, why would anyone want to dress like them? This is where the crab minded must open up their minds on a macro level. Not only are these new age floral prints not manang looking nor the start of a strange, trying-hard-to-be avant garde look (Otherwise I wouldn't even bother writing about it. C'mon now, I wouldn't do that to you girls!), but they are ultra classy and feminine in cut. Best part is that they work for day or for night depending on your choice of footwear.

Check out this chic Missoni dress that I received in my email:



That's right, I've got you saying that's w'sup! And now, you know the drill. What comes next is the answer to the question: where do I shop Divanity team? I found great, quality dresses that are to-die-for! Let me break down the answers like this:

5...Store Name: Top Shop, Branches: Shangri-la Plaza, Power Plant, Glorietta4, Robinson's Galleria, and SM Mall of Asia

There has never been any clothing item or accessory that I disliked at Top Shop. Kudos Kate Moss. My only problem in the past was that they sold styles that were not too conducive for our tropical weather i.e. coats, sweaters, scarves, etc. Enter the floral print dresses! They range from P2,000+ and up. Not that bad for bee-yoo-tiful dresses like so:



4...Store Name: SOAK, Branches: ISHQ (G/F Astoria Plaza, Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center) and SOUK (The Ramp, Crossings Department Store, and soon to open in Serendra and Boracay, Station 2). Visit their website at www.soakswimwear.com or email them at soakswimwear@gmail.com.

Yes, this is a swimwear store and the tube dress is actually a cover-up, but again, it's all in the heels. With some fierce heels, you're good to go around the metro with these and the price is right:


3...Store Name: Assorti, Location: G/F Dona Consolacion Bldg, 122 Jupiter St. Belair, Makati. You can contact them at (02) 816-0648.

What do we know about wrap dresses and kimonos? These are what us ladies can wear on those "I-feel-so-fat" days. This doesn't just apply to solid colors, the same is true for floral/printed types. They wrap or are cinched (depending on if they wrap with a side-string or attached belt) right under the bust and create the illusion that you have a small waist. Assorti dresses are also priced quite nicely. Here is are 2 darling examples (please ignore that strange shoe though, I don't know what that is about):

2...Store Name: FREEWAY, Branches: SM, Robinson's and Ayala Centers

A lot of girls overlook Freeway, possibly because the celebrities that tend to endorse the store are icky (that is the extent of what I will say with respect to that. Lalala). However, their dresses really do have a lot of potential. Dress prices range from P1700 and up so it really is a place we should all consider. Here are some cute floral prints that I favor:

1...Store Name: Pazzy Manila, You can shop online at http://pazzymanila.multiply.com

Last, but definitely not the least - Pazzy Manila. This store has really bold floral prints and trendy styles. I was ecstatic to find out about it on my quest for knowledge aka online window shopping. I would wear ALL of the Pazzy dresses, even the more basic types. Here are 3 flowery lovelies:



We likely!
And so I wrap up my latest tidbits. Out with the rainy season and embrace the sunlight with bright colors and girly flowers done in tastefully done prints. And was I right about not having to feel like a grandma with this trend? That won't stop me from saying, though...

I'm out [grand]MA!

Monique