Been out of the Loop Just Like the Weather

A thousand apologies for the hiatus on this site ladies.

Busy? Unbelievably. But also very confused about the weather and therefore, confused about which trends to follow and to report about. Divanity has been as out of the loop as the weather has been. Low pressure areas and heavy rains in the summer?! If this isn't global warming, then I don't know what to tell ya.

Just when the sunshine and heat was at it's peak, I was going to do a review on the limited edition creamsilk conditioner SUMMER SHINE w/ UV Blocker, down came the rain and washed the sunshine out (feel free to sing that to the tune of "Itsy Bitsy Spider"). While I do suggest you all give it a try while it's out on the market as it is fabulous, I'm not sure if any new users will get to test the best of its abilities at the beaches and other sources of major hair exposure to the sun.

On to the discovery of what I could actually share with everyone, which is both useful and delightful. Luckily, I have taken delivery of the pre-fall collections of our favorite designers, which just so happen to be the answers to our Erratic Weather Woes or EWW (total brainfart, but it works!) Take a look at some of my favorites:
Basically, what we see here is layers. The Valentino is a bit more demure and utilizes gatherings and a one-off shoulder style, while the Tuleh is still reminiscent of spring (or in our case summer) by means of prints. Now, we wouldn't use these styles in the same mechanics as those actually experiencing 4 seasons, but more of practicality for us. Both the former and the latter are perhaps alternatives to looking like a hot mess in rain gear over your clothes (though you may want to weigh out the best footwear - boots vs. sandals). The layers would allow you to make modifications in your outfit should the sun and heat return throughout the day, yet enough cover up to shield showers of rain to and from venues and your car (it's not like any of us do much walking out and about).

Where to find your versions of these ensembles? Your best bet would be to visit the European stores whose styles are inspired by top these top European designers - Mango, Terranova, Top Shop, etc. Do your own mixing and matching with your layers. Just remember to always tie down heavy prints with a solid, only wear 1 article of clothing with heavy prints at a time, and that a dominant neutral is always key.

So there you have it, my dears. While the weather and workload are hindrances in updates on the Divanity site, rest assured that we'll always be back. Many thanks to those that continue to email comments and perhaps some of you may be interested in further developing those comments into feature pieces to be published here.

Warm XX and keep living your life with Divanity!

Monique

Confessions of A Shopaholic PROMO

Yup, the bestselling novel by Sophie Kinsella has made it to the silver screen and is hitting Manila theaters this incoming week! Now, being that the whole book series is a Divanity team favorite, we were a little miffed to find out that heroine Rebecca, is portrayed as a New Yorker in the film as opposed to a British girl that later discovers New York (specifically Manhattan) as her mecca. I guess what keeps us complacent is knowing that it was directed by P.J. Hogan who directed "My Best Friend's Wedding". Who doesn't love that movie? Plus, Isla Fisher does pull off the aloof Becky character.

So let's all watch out for that and I truly hope we have a whole discussion forum on the film after everyone has watched. Enjoy reconnecting with Becky, the sweetheart with the shopping achilles heel. :)

The Divanity Ladies

Our ultimate favorite collection.

Taking you to new Heights

Ah, how I love the way fashion addresses my height woes. Like the average Pinay, I too, am the wee height of 5"3. Yet, when graced with uber chic 4 inch heels, quite an illusion is created. I look tall and where doubt may come in when the shoes are checked out, it is the extremity of cuteness that is given attention to rather than the skyhigh soles. In fact, I realized just how much I mask my height when some buddies caught me in flats and had to do a double take on me a la "Hey, I never noticed how much taller I am than you!" Ouch. Thus, I rarely go without. Heels are much needed and as usual, I am on top of the latest footwear news.

So here I am, back again, with the "statement shoe of the season" - the platform. Yes, platforms have been in and out and back again, commercially introduced in the 70s (I'd like to stress the word "commercial" as even men wore them back then. Jesus), but this time around, we see a more sculpted/stylized type. In my Louboutin example, we see that the platform is done in layers of neutrals, the glove is done in mint green suede with a buckle and peep toes. I mean, talk about so fresh and so clean, clean!

Now, depending on the type of platform heels you are looking for, I suggest you pay a visit to either oh so dependable Nine West at any SM or Robinson's Mall or the new Steve Madden store at Eastwood City, Libis. Let me classify. If you are looking for more of a Louboutin, upper crust replica, then Nine West is the way for you. They are about quality, stylin' (not necessarily an active shoe, but by all means, you can dance in them all night) and class. You will definitely find the subtle layers, refreshing tones and colors, and delicate material. Whereas, Steve Madden is the answer if you are looking for something a bit trendier and with a more graduated platform (yup, Steve Madden does the big ol' hunk o' heel). Okay, so Steve Madden is responsible for major fashion faux pas in the past like the hideous Spice Girl stilts, but also responsible for really cute Mary Janes way back when. So all is forgiven.

Sample 1. Nine West Capirinia Green Platform PumpsSample 2. Steve Madden Kavi Platform Pumps



There you have it, ladies. You know how we Divanity ladies do it - always taking you to new heights. Happy shopping and remember to always live your life with Divanity!

Monique

The Manor Opens It's Doors

Kenneth So, Ryan Reyes & Wesley Sun w/the participation of yours truly of GOODFELLAS PRODUCTIONS invite you to their first ever event happening tomorrow night, Wednesday January 21.

THE MANOR (located at Eastwood City, Libis) will be opening its doors to give you the country's finest DJs and HIPHOP songs. As EMBASSY'S sister company, THE MANOR is sure to give you the legendary club's same rage! So do not miss out on this historical event.

Photo by RAYMUND OF GOODTIMES PHOTOGRAPHY

Text or call me for guestlist/table reservations 0915-115-4040

We need all the fly Divanity ladies givin' love to this club.
See you there and keep living your life with divanity!

Agee Dee

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