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

The Things You Will RESORT to...

Good After Midnight Ladies!

Ooh do I ever have something spectacular to share with you. In my attempts to go through the latest fashion updates in order to fall asleep, this latest trend came over me with a rush. So much for sleeping, I am awake like someone who just drank 15 espresso shots for the past hour with intervals of 10 minutes. Do you clearly understand just how up and about I am? Okay, point made I suppose. So what is it this time that gave me my latest fashion high? Brace yourselves ladies for what you will RESORT to...

It's the RESORT look. De La Renta, Dior, and Valentino are doing it. I shouldn't think that you would need more convincing beyond that. The best part about this look? As opposed to other geographical areas (of which these looks are taken from anyway), we have much better access to elements that create the look such as: pearls, capiz shell, turtoise shell, puka shell, et al. since we are a tropical country. I mean, shouldn't WE have made the resort look hip? Now, what do we remember about the law of supply (nix the demand part, till you finish reading this post and create more demand)? The supply curve is the relationship between market price and amount of goods produced. Therefore, we have a vast supply of said goods so the price is considerably cheap, as it so happens.

I have actually always wondered why local designers didn't bank more on pearls. They are a rare treasure for many consumers abroad, yet they are widely available to us. They're available at tiangges in sets that go for Php500.00 for goodness sake! I'm talking real pearls ladies, I did the whole biting-the-pearl-to-see-if-it's-real test. Well, I'm about to change that. One of the icons in my life and future father-in-law has always taught me about his philosophy of RPS (remit, patronize, and sell) to uplift our economy. This will be my own way of doing so. Investing in Philippine pearls and other shelled accessories, promoting them, and selling them. Okay, so I understand that you are supposed to keep brilliant ideas to yourself until after you've executed them and protected them, but when it comes to fashion I believe that it's not what you do, it's how you do it. So go ahead and bite my stee. Haha.

Of course, ideas go through quite a process before they become products, so in the meantime I have initial answers for you. First, there is Jumbo Incorporated (I know, I know. What a name) with their CapizShells.com site. They have everything from necklaces to bracelets to bags to wall furnishings and more. You will, however, have to run through the site yourself, because the pictures are protected. You can also check out K1 Pearl located at Ayala Town Center. They have some really appealing necklaces, of which I've provided samples of below.

Designer Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard, whom also designs jewelry, utilizes different precious stones and shells, and is another very inspiring source. They look glamorous, yet very fitting for a "resort" setting. Have a glimpse of some of her hand-crafted works provided below.

NOW, for one of my favorite things to discuss - the shoesies. I have to admit that for a country that can easily get hold of such materials, it was really homework on my part to find some nice shoes that went with this trend, BUT, my dears, I think I've done you proud. Absorb this lovely tortoise shell pump and wedge and this bejeweled/be-shelled/be-pearled stiletto by Shubizz of Celine Marketing Corporation.

Do I deliver or do I deliver? Can I get an AMEN sistas? Mmmhmmm. So I believe I am completely spent on what was a caffeine-like high, but I do hope this post is as much fun for you as it was for me. Additional details are included below, but do feel free to contact the Divanity team should you have further inquiries. That's it for now ladies. This is what we must all RESORT to...embrace our beloved, tropical island and what it beholds. Get down with the RESORT LOOK.

Till next time,

Monique

Designer Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard can be reached via email artist@ciaracreates.com, mobile 0918-922-0795 or landline (02) 896-5450.

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.