No, SHE didn't?!

Oh yes, she did! Who do you ask? And what did she do? Get this! Diane von Furstenburg, better known as DVF, did 2 Filipiniana-style tops. Follow up question would be, why would she do this? Well, I heard through the grapevine that our very own Steel Butterfly and her are tight. In other words, she's had her taste of designing for and alongside Pinoy's elite. So, how well does the veteran designer do Flip? Just look at the meticulous pleating and contemporary-style ruffles. Ah-mah-zing! Rajo, eat your heart out.


Now, I know you definitely can't get DVF out here (unless you are willing to max out your card online or can get family or friends abroad to purchase for you), but I might possibly have the next best option for you...have your own DVF-inspired blouses made! If you're going to go Filipiniana, it must be tailor fit (otherwise our ancestors would be shamed). AND, we happen to have THE best seamstresses out here or you can turn to great barong tailors like Amor Ceblano (a personal fave). In just a few easy steps, you can have your own fab versions a la DVF.: 1) Book a seamstress or high-quality barong maker, 2) show these photos, 3) choose your fabric, 4) have your measurements taken, and VOILA! You will have your own, modernized Filipiniana tops.

Now the 2nd best option, which is not too shabby I might add, is to check out Kate Torralba's shop located at Greenbelt5. You may not be able to achieve the whole "tailor fit" approach, but mind you, Kate's styles are very well done with respect to the fit already. I have to tell you, that some of the instances where I felt the hottest & most sophisticated, were when I was wearing KT's clothing. Here is a peek at her store:

Happy designing or shopping, as the case may be dears! Do give me your feedback as always.

Till next time,

Monique





Amor Ceblano can be contacted via mobile 0917-351-7085 or drop by the Kate Torralba store at the 3rd floor of Greenbelt5.

You will soon be Nticed!

Hey chicas!

I'm here to let you in on something to be on the lookout for - my homegirl T's street luxury apparel for women called NTICE. Expect sexy, yet ultra classy styles for competitive prices. What sets the clothing apart from other urban women's lines is that it allows ladies to uphold a very feminine look with fine fabrics that hug the curves in all the right places. Just because you want to dress street, doesn't mean you need to look like a replica of your man right? With all items - hoodies, graphic tees, dresses, and blouses; NTICE allows you to show off those womanly contours.

While she will not be launching this line out here in Manila, you can shop to your heart's content on http://www.nticeclothing.com, which will be in effect soon.

Teaser:

NTICE booth, Las Vegas


Nticed yet? Be patient girls. I won't leave you hangin'. You heard it here first so keep it locked here for more updates!

Till next time,

Monique

The I-Know-I-Made-It Shoe

I know, I know. I'm supposed to be promoting and sharing things that can be found in Manila only, but when you're on the Bergdorf mailing list, non-Manila based merchandise tends to strike you. Right? Exactly. It was as if this shoe was speaking to me: "look at me, look at me..." so I just had to share. You know how journalists of the past would refer to Marilyn Monroe in her movie scenes as "hauntingly beautiful", well, I guess you could say that this is the shoe equivalent of Marilyn. It is just ex-factor fabulous.

When it comes to Louboutins, I usually prefer the classic black with the signature red sole, but this pair was exceptional. I felt like this was the type of shoe that once purchased, you could die knowing that you lived a fulfilled life. See, aside from it's obvious, starlet appearance, I also think about how splendid it would look and feel on my feet. When I ponder on how Christian Louboutin mastered the science of a woman's foot in order to make the most provocative shape (the often mentioned "toe cleavage") and to be virtually the only heel that doesn't kill, it really leads me to believe that this is THE shoe. However, is it right to call it a shoe when it is as timeless as a family diamond? I've heard women say that "a Birkin is not a bag", so let's just call it THE Louboutin aka The I-Know-I-Made-It Shoe.

Since not all of us (emphasis on the inclusion of myself) can click and order on Bergdorfs just like that, I do have to give you guys a lil somethin', somethin'. A consolation prize, if you will. Yes, there is a glimpse of hope dears. You can find some quasi-Louboutin pumps at Janilyn located at Shoppesville in Greenhills. The only downfall with the Janilyn pump is that, from afar, the heel looks like it was covered in tin foil and the semi-pointed toes were done in an odd manner. It is round in awkward places and likewise, it is pointy in awkward places. Hard to explain so you'll just have to see for yourself. While there are several other branches at Glorietta 1, Alabang Town Center, Powerplant, etc., I am not sure if these other branches hold this particular style. That being said, I do hope some of you can be Divanity correspondents and let the rest of us know. Aside from Janilyn, there is also a quaint little shop that I found on the 3rd floor of Shoppesville called Kimi. According to their card, they also have a branch at the 2nd floor of Market, Market. Now, they actually got the Louboutin shape goin' on, but the shine on the pumps are done in sequins, similar to what you see below. So expect the shoe to have a lot less dazzle, but they're definitely affordable (they range from Php800.oo-Php1,200.00) and are still very cute.

It's worth a shot ladies, but when all else fails, lets just work our booties off to get us some shoes for a made woman, nawimsayin?? Till then, let's keep living our lives with as much divanity as we know how. Nighty night!

Monique

Note: You can get in touch with the Kimi Shoppesville branch through the ff numbers: 0923-358-6674/0923-358-6673. As for Janilyn branches, just text the Mobile Yellow Pages code provided in the last post.

Get Dolled Up!

Hey sista girls!

Our girlfriend from Hype Events, Kate Oriño, would like me to share this fabulous, new weekly event with all of you. The event is titled DOLLHOUSE and it happens every Tuesday night at fresh hotspot, The Bureau at A.Venue along Makati Avenue. Read Kate's message attached below for more details:


"The Dollhouse is a meeting-place of all gorgeous women that got it MADE.

The Newest and Trendiest Tuesday night party in the heart of Makati!

Hottest Ladies, Smoothest Gentlemen.

Gates open at 10pm
Free cocktails until 12AM for all the Ladies!
Models bring your set cards for special bar promos.

Strict Style Code in Full Effect!
For gentlemen, no sports attire please.

Hip Hop | Top40 | Sexy R&B | Dancehall
On Rotation by: Shorty & Ron

18+ Drama Free Event
Early Arrival Strongly Suggested!

Hosted by: Ms. Kate Oriño

Snapshots By: ZandroTorres Melissa Concepcion & Yannah Tan

Bottle and Vip reservations contact 0917 411 5232

Powered exclusively by Heavy hitter Hype Manila | Wave 891 | The Bureau | Flipnation.ph | Maverick by Design

NO CURFEW HERE :)"

Guess there isn't much more to be said except for...be a doll, won't cha? Make your way to DOLLHOUSE every Tuesday night and lets toast on free cocktails ladies!

Cheers,
Monique

Fringe Benefits

Okay, so when I used to hear the word "fringe", I used to cringe. Haha. That may be a bit of an overreaction, but seriously, the first thing that would pop into my head was Pocahontas attire complete with matching moccasins (oh wait, she was barefoot. Well, whatever), all made from cowhide or something. So when I heard that the current craze is fringe, I knew I had to do my research to see if any new-age items were worthy or if it was a horrid, risque trend that would be dependent on "I'll-try-anything-to-get-noticed" celebrities to experiment with.

The verdict? Turns out dresses, shoes and bags + fringe are quite darling! Take a look at some styles that caught my attention:

See? A far cry from old Western or Native American gear. I would draw the line, however, at fringe vests. No matter how tiny and creatively done these new ones are, I just wouldn't get into that. As my girlfriend T put it: "I don't know any retard who would off the runway". Fringe will most likely be gone after the fall/winter season in the states (and probably won't be back next year), so it's not really something you want to invest too much in and splatter all over your body. In short, I believe they are perishable goods.

Again, the heels, dresses, and bags are doable. So if anything ladies, I suggest you limit yourselves to the same. I'm not exactly here to dictate and these are merely opinions so feel free to call me out on this. Now, the most important part and what I'm also here for: where can these fringe clothes, shoes and accessories be found? You may make a return visit to http://www.poshandpurple.com and check out the "Shoe Affair" album, of which you can find fringe sandals in grey, purple (seen above) or beige. But if you would prefer to deal with tangible goods, check out Schu (branches can be found at Robinson's Galleria, SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta3, and Shangri-La Plaza) for the shoes and for the bags and dresses (also for those with a bigger budget, I should mention), you can try Aranaz Boutique at Greenbelt5.

There you have it ladies. Something to start you off with the month of October. That being said, if you still can't bring yourself to see anything chic in fringe and are pocahaunted (corny! LOL), then use it as your Halloween costume at the end of the month. Remember, even 40s dresses were done in fringe with tons of hanging pearls and peacock feathered hairbands! Whatever tickles your fancy.

Till next time...keep living your life with divanity.

Tip: If you would like to inquire at any of these boutiques that are located in the malls, do what I do! Ask Mobile Yellow Pages for the store numbers and other contact information. Text luk4_(business name) and send to 2851. This code is applicable to both Smart and Globe subscribers.