Alliance of Greeks and Romans?!

Well, maybe not. But two trends happened to drop at the same time and, magnificently, they compliment one another. Grecian-style, asymmetrical tops and dresses and Roman-inspired heels.

Hard to fathom?

Let me run it by you one at a time.
Brain child Zac Posen does Greek:



Do we loves? Not the usual take on Greek style. As opposed to cotton or silk fabric in white, we see an iridescent blend of silvers and gold and drapings/gathering in all the right places. Okay, so the model looks so pale that she comes off as the ghost of someone that lived during the Roman empire, but it is safe to say that all skin tones can pull off this color blend. Work it out morena beauties! :)

And on to the usual, significant question: where do we snatch our own? Well, when it comes to these meticulous sort of design techniques and the right fabrics, my personal favorite is Jeannie Goulbourn of Silk Cocoon. Judging by her personal style alone, can we all agree that she is a very classy lady?

(Jeannie Goulbourn, left)

Yes, her designs are quite pricey and they are made to order, but Silk Cocoon will definitely do the trick.


On to the Roman-inspired heels to be paired with asymmetry. While gladiator flats were all the rage at one point, I think you need both of these pre-requisites in order to pull them off: 1) height (I'm thinking at least 5"5, which is sadly considered tall for us petite Filipinas) and 2) beautiful feet (Like Ludacris stressed "pedicured toes, pedicured toes..."). If you don't possess the statuesque appearance or the pretty, ultra feminine footsies (and don't get me wrong, some feet just have NO hope, despite the works - foot spa, pedicure, etc. I'm just keepin' it real!) because then you will look extra height-challenged with manly feet. But have no fear, there are now some lovely heels a la Rome that do wonders for your overall look plus they don't necessarily have to be done in dull brown leather w/ gold spikes. I have found a really cute sample done in luxurious brown leather and kitsch spikes, though. Aside from those kinds, however, there are some gladiator-type heels that are done in multi-colored leather or suede, plastic w/ elastic, but still with the intertwining sandal straps. Here are some samples to give you an idea (exclude the pink bootie with the black lining, notwithstanding that it is bee-yoo-ti-ful):




Again, where do we get ourselves a lil' somethin' somethin'? There just so happens to be an ongoing sale at all CMG (Celine), Power Plant Mall branch! The shoesies are so satisfyingly lovely and even when they're not on sale, prices are not too bad anyway. You might something like this during your visit:
Muy caliente no?


So, while history tells us that Romans settled in Southern Italy first in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, were influenced by the Greeks in the 8th, who later made the Greeks suffer slavery at their hands...and so on (you get the point, long standing rivalry)...have I not proven a point that in 2009, they really do make each other look good? Thank you very much.

That would be it for now. Do keep reading and shopping dears!

(" ,)

Monique

Hop onboard the 2009 ship, and SALE away!

Greetings girls!

It was on the news recently that the most profitable businesses in 2009 would be those online. It is the dawn of e-commerce, because of the fact that you can set up shop with absolutely no overhead expenses. With so many things that can easily be bought online, even without credit cards, less people are crowding the malls. I guess this is the reason why shops not only have end of season/last quarter sales, but first quarter sales too. I take it these sales consist of products/merchandise that weren't sold by the end of the year.

Yes, it is great fun to buy goods online. The tag line "just a click away" is as enticing to a shopaholic as triple fudge cake is to someone with a sweet tooth. However, what on earth will we do if our favorite mall stores close? There is just a different sensation one gets when holding a new top on a hanger or taken from a freshly folded stack or trying on shoes to see if they fit to the tee or smelling genuine leather of a handbag. I think you get what I am trying to say. We have to shop at the malls too and boost the quarterly sales of our beloved shops! The world is changing and there is an economic crisis, but no more shopping at malls? We cannot let that happen! We must all do our part in assuring that shopping is not limited to slouching in a chair w/ mouse in hand. Ick! It'll be like the DIVANITY "Keep-A-Store Alive Campaign" (yup, I acknowledge the brain fart, but it does make sense).


Now is the best time to begin the shopping extravaganza with sales like that of the one at Trinoma - the Welcome 2009 Sale ongoing until Sunday, January 18, 2008. Take advantage of this sale and many more this year. Sales at this time of year are the equivalent of sailors firing S.O.S. flares in the sky. So, hop onboard the 2009 ship and SALE away!

Monique

Line up for a Major Trend!

Happy New Year to all!

I hope everyone had a well-rested yet fun-filled holiday season. I believe I speak for the whole Divanity team when I say that we finally got some much-needed R&R. But, like bears, after hibernating for a season, its time to return to an active lifestyle and hunting mode. Since it is officially the last weekend before returning to work or school for some, I wanted to start you all off with some hunting bait aka TREND and SALE ALERT! The hottest look post-holidays is maze-like line patterns!

Now of course this trend will urge those of us that have New Years resolutions for weight loss to get a move on as such patterns accentuate every angle and contour of the body. For those of you (myself definitely not included) that are fit and comfortable in their skin, then what are you waiting for? Line up!

Where, you ask? It just so happens that one of my favorite stores, Zara (the whole PowerPlant Mall actually) is having a "End of Season Sale". The sale started today, January 4, and is ongoing - get this - UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST. Some girlfriends were relieved to hear this for some God foresaken reason and planned on going next weekend, but ladies, wake up! Shake off that hibernation mind state and let me run that by you again...UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST!! When it comes to fashion and sales, supplies dont last long! For all we know, the sale could end tomorrow. So get out of your sweats, grab your pocketbooks, and get your booties to one of the following branches: Power Plant, Glorietta, TriNoma Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, or SM Mall of Asia.

Now that all has been said, you know what must be done. Happy, happy shopping ladies and we hope to partner with you for a new year filled to the brim with Divanity!

Monique

Note: While we know that those of you reading this post have most likely subscribed to our posts and receive them in your e-mails, do take the time to visit the site http://www.divanity.blogspot.com to partake in our ongoing polls and other new features.

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Christmas Crunch Time

Hello ladies!

6 more days till Christmas...and if you're like me and are forever procrastinating w/ respect to Christmas gift shopping, this latest post shall help you out a little bit. Though I haven't exactly had time to go to the shops yet, I've found idle time at work to do some canvassing online to at least narrow down my gift ideas.

It also really helps that if you've been a shop-a-holic at one point in your life (I know you guys are thinking "yeah right, you're STILL a shop-a-holic" but seriously, haven't had the time! *Sob*) then you end up on all these great mailing lists that inform you about sales, promos, and the like. Before I get to that, though, let me tell you about this really informative link that was sent to me http://www.allgiftsonlineinfo.com/, which breaks down potential gifts into categories either by brand, industry or even personalized options. While the site itself could use a little upgrade on the web design (I'm just keepin' it real), it turned out to be a Godsend. It really pays attention to detail when it comes to providing readers/visitors with virtually endless gift suggestions. They even give you information on how to get different types of gift certificates for those that have to deal w/ uber-picky gift receivers (I can almost feel some of you nodding your heads and saying "UH HUH") and would like to give them the freedom to choose their own gifts. So there you have it, visit that site and get your gifts in a few click, clicks!

Now for the sales and promos. This first will seem a bit un-Divanity-like for me, but keep in mind that I do have a mommy alter-ego, so I would like to inform you guys about the the 1-week Holiday Rush Special Offers at Toys R Us only at Robinson's Galleria, December 19-25. I received the heads-up from our buddy down at Toys R Us, Ms. Lea Crisostomo. And hey, it's inevitable that we will all have to buy gifts for kids, even for those of us that aren't mommies. You can avail of this great bargain for your little sisters and brothers or your boyfriends (the big kids). Check out the poster below for more details:



As for the non-children gifts, I was informed by our dear friend Lai Del Ro about a holiday sale of up to 30% on the hottest clothing items and 20% on Las Rojas shoes at http://dashwearables.com
Shop for all your sisters, lady friends and colleagues for affordable dresses and shoes that they can rip open and change into on Christmas eve (there are some adorable dresses that look so Christmassy!)

I suggest you book appointments to visit the store so that you can have gifts-on-hand, but take note that this sale is only for members so be sure to sign up first on the site. I know you love me now, Lai. :)

I have also received word from our girlfriend, Anne Nayve, who is in charge of promos/events of Ayala Malls about this special offer on interior decoration items at Trinoma. You can bless your friends and fam's homes with new, ultra chic furniture! Always hated all the ancient, wooden pieces in your parent's house that probably carry spirits from the 1800s? Bring new life to their humble abodes.
Plus, from December 19-23, all Ayala Malls are open until midnight. If that's not enough time to shop then sweetie, you are shopping for too many people! Hehe.

Okay, so we have covered: online gift shopping, purchasing of gifts for kids, big kids (boyz II men. teehee), ladies, and even the parentals. I'll be sure to update you further should I receive more holiday promo info, but I do hope this post serves as a big help to you considering most sales that malls provide are pre-Christmas sales that wrap up in the first week of December.
Good luck to you ladies, happy shopping, and advanced Merry Christmas to all! It's Christmas Crunch Time!

With love & divanity,

Monique

You can contact Lea Crisostomo at the Toys R Us promos department at 395-5135/395-5155 or through email lea.crisostomo@tru.com.ph

You can contact Lai Del Rosario of Dashwearables at dashwearables@gmail.com

You can contact Anne Nayve of Ayala Malls Marketing at 0917-578-7695

Luxury in apparel is spelled...F-A-B-R-I-C

Halloooooo ladies!

I know it's been a minute. The Divanity team has been handling biz matters, yet always keeping all of you in mind. I believe that I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say that you guys are the light at the end of the work tunnel. :)

So we're back with some pretty exciting news - a fashion show presented by Filthy Grommet titled FABRIC. Why Fabric? Well, my own interpretation would be that fabric is the staple behind luxury apparel. Yes, the actual style and execution all play a part. Those are all elements that come from and are dependent on the designer, but fabric makes all the difference as it can turn street apparel into luxury street apparel. Think of the comparison of 2 fabrics as the stark contrast between creme fresh and plain old, sour cream.

FABRIC will feature designer collections by BC Manila, Rags 2 Riches, Guttersnipe, Michelis & of course Filthy Grommet plus the latest tunes provided by Jermaine Brown, free-flowing Baileys, and hair & makeup stylings from Basement Salon & MAC. You will not want to miss this so chop-chop on your arrangements as this will be happening on Thursday, December 11 aka 2 DAYS FROM NOW at Embassy, Fort Strip 9pm onward. For further details, refer to the poster attached herewith.

Enjoy and Advanced Merry Christmas to all!

Divanity back in effect.
Monique

Note: Filthy Grommet is located at 148 ATC Building, Penthouse, White Plains.