V-Day Gift Guide

Valentines is just around the corner and I'm sure many of us are in the look-out for that perfect gift for our loved ones- it doesnt necessarily have to be our significant other.


This year, I'm planning to give all the special people in my life something small just to remind them how important they are. I've started my gift list pretty early and wanted to share with you all what I have been looking at... maybe you could find something here, or let me know what I could be missing! The theme of this year's gift list for me is something... practical. Yes, times are hard so let's deal with this wisely!

Picture postcard from Cebu!

More pictures from the parade and street parties.

Gotta Have Me Some Ellie Saab

I've always loved the designs of Ellie Saab because...

1) They are simply gorgeous! 
2) They are very difficult to make.
3) His technique is impeccable.
4) His dresses make the wearer feel feminine yet fatale at the same time.

Won't it be so dreamy to own one? I've always imagined wearing one someday... just because.
I always look at his designs when I have a very formal function to go to and draw inspiration from his cuts and designs.

Maybe I can wear one of these for my Birthday? What a good way to celebrate a quarter of the century away!

I wish you find inspiration in these as much as I have.

Ellie Saab Spring 2011



2011 Bucket List

I think everyone should have their own Bucket List every year- just something added to make us feel better when we get to check one of them out.


I'll be soo happy if I get to complete them! Although by looking at it, it looks like I'll be needing lots of money!


Here is mine:

Chanel flats took my breath away

Once again Karl Lagerfeld executed a flawless collection of subdued glamour. The pieces in this collection were very luminous, delicate, and charming. The sequined trousers, ballerina inspired dresses, structured jackets, and the brand's signature tweed practically dazzled the Pavillon Cambon Capucines. Hair and make-up were kept soft with a simple french twist and pink lips. However, what really struck me the most are the gorgeous pointed flats that all the models wore! The black ballet flats were pointy and cut straight across with clear ankle straps. I love the fact that the flats were kept very simple and dainty but fascinating at the same time. Sigh, I want a pair and they are almost perfect.

Inspirations from the Runway: SS 2011

Summer will never be complete without vibrant colors! Bold and bright hues are definitely back to spruce up anyone’s wardrobe. Not to mention those crazy and graphic prints could add so much character too.  I believe Filipinos have a more focused attitude now, even on our sense of fashion. We all want to make sure we get our money’s worth and not to compromise the quality, comfort, and style. As the year 2011 enters, we should not play-it-safe or just-go-with-the flow, it is about making a stand and expressing ourselves more through fashion.

Spring/Summer 2011 collections present some trends that may lessen the bland but add more quality and exciting statement pieces in every woman’s closet.

January 2011 VOGUE Covers

Natalie Portman for Vogue US by Peter Lindbergh

Keira Knightley for Vogue UK by  Ellen Von Unwerth

Daily Discovery: Swedish Hasbeens meets H&M

What did we expect? They're Swedish and clogs! As we all know clogs are still in season and brands like H&M are definitely making them easier to wear. And by checking out Hasbeens' site we learned that they are hand made and used natural products. Their designs for the loafers, boots, and strappy sandals give a different edge for the wooden heel.

How do you feel about these shoes?

XOXO,
Erika and Marga

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.

P.S. We wonder when H&M will finally be brought here to the Philippines?

The "Skeletons" in our Closet

So the bf and I are in the process of fixing up his flat in Salcedo.
It's huge, 180 sq meters and 3 bedrooms, we have a lot to do and a long way to go.
I hope it can be done in time for my birthday so I can save on the venue. Haha.

As I do my duty and browse through the many interior sites, I couldn't help but check out one of my favorites, Elle Decor and came across something very very close to my heart- closets.

I think closets say a lot about a person in the same way the contents of your bag do.

Here are some:

Loree Rodkin

My personal favorite. It's so subdues but elegant.

In jeweler Loree Rodkin’s Los Angeles apartment, which she decorated with the help of Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, the dressing room reflects the home’s subdued color scheme. The island of drawers and shelving by Poliform provides ample storage and display space for Rodkin’s shoe collection. The vintage brass pendant lights are from Rewire, and the antique bowl is from Jacques Carcanagues Gallery.

Photographer: Firooz Zahedi

Anna Sui

Way too cluttered for my taste. How does she find anything here?

Fashion star Anna Sui’s second Manhattan apartment—a top-floor space in the same building as her one-bedroom home—has a stylish dressing room to hold the overflow from her wardrobe. Custom shelves were designed to fit her many shoe boxes, which are labeled with Polaroids of their contents. Striped hooks offer a perch for to protect delicate sequined items from getting crushed.

Photographer: Eric Boman

Nanette Lepore

So much like the designer herself, her closet is whimsical yet still classy.

The dressing room of fashion designer Nanette Lepore’s Manhattan townhouse is filled with glamourous accents, including a mirrored chest and cabinets, cascading glass chandelier, and a plush velvet-upholstered ottoman (a perfect perch for toy poodle Bunny). Vintage apparel dominates one area, while another is reserved for Lepore’s own creations. The Chinese Art Deco rug is from ABC Carpet & Home.

Photographer: William Waldron

Tamara Mellon

For the founder of Jimmy Choo, her closet isn't so impressive. It looks too old for my taste.

The standout among Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon’s multiple closets is the one created especially for her collection of more than 400 pairs of shoes, arranged by color and type. Pairs not on display are stored in boxes labeled with photos for easy identification. Mellon also has a separate closet for her jeans, and she color coordinates her wardrobe seasonally with the help of a firm called the Practical Princess.

Photographer: Simon Upton

Aerin Lauder

Very clean and airy. It's nice to just sit here and read a good book.

The dressing room in the Manhattan apartment of Estée Lauder creative director Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer is a tribute to her grandmother’s signature style—including Estée’s favorite blue-and-white color scheme and Gracie wall coverings. The chandelier is by Baguès, and the circa-1970 desk is by Gabriella Crespi.

Photographer: Simon Upton

One for the boys. Obviously a man's room. The blue closests make it unique. Nice touch.

For the dressing room of his Chicago apartment, interior designer Nate Berkus opts for a sporty blue closet. The space has vintage touches, including a wardrobe and mirror installed during the apartment’s 1940s renovation by architect Samuel Marx, as well as a midcentury French light fixture. The 1960s Paul McCobb stools are upholstered in men’s suiting corduroy.

Photographer: Pieter Estersohn

Brian Atwood

After seeing this, I'm inspired to make the bf's closet to look like this.

Shoe designer Brian Atwood’s minimalist dressing room keeps clothing—and clutter—out of sight. The dark surfaces and vintage furnishings echo the decor throughout his Milan apartment, which was decorated by Nate Berkus. The daybed is by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen.

Photographer: Simon Upton

Now I have half a mind to convert one of the bedrooms into a walk in closet. Fingers crossed he'll actually agree- it'll take a lot of convincing. Hmm... wonder what I can do to prove the merits of a bedroom cum closet. Any suggestions?

What does your closet look like?

Could you just stare at it all day?

XOXO,

Erika

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.

Shoe Thy Self

Here is my current Shoe Fetish.
For some weird reason, I'm zoning in on more flats- maybe because of the lack thereof.


A girl can dream...

5) APC Tassled Suede Moccasins

It's more of a Euro guy thiing but I think a Manila girl can definitely pull it off!



4) Marc Jacobs Linen Brogues

Just because its in a color I've been wanting in a material I hardly come across, very preppy.

3) Lanvin Snake-Print Canvas Wedge Sandals

Never expected to see this type of pairing but I like the juxtaposition of snake,cork and velvet.

2) Alexander Wang Noemi Peep-toe Leather Boots

Was never fond of peep-toe until I found this. It's so angsy, I love it.

 

1) Giuseppe Zanotti Flower-Applique Leather Sandals

The delicat-ness makes it looks so innocent yet sexy, such a work of art!

I guess for me, as a rule:

Really flat or super high. But never in-between!

What's your shoe rule?
What shoes have you been drooling for?

Shoe Thy Self.

XOXO,

Erika



LIVE.FASHIONABLY.

How nice it is to feel... like Falling In Love.

No, its not going to be one of those cheesy and romantic posts.


It's about remembering certain smells and associating it with an event, a special moment or even a person in your life. This is what Falling In Love is about.


If falling in love had a scent I imagine it would smell like this... light, sweet and airy. The pure thought of it makes me happy and well, makes me want to swoon over and be swept off my feet. Maybe in time? But for now, I'd have to content with smelling like it!


This scent I just wanted to share, not only makes me smell good but also allows be to have hope... and dreamy thoughts. Shouldn't perfume be able to do this for us in the first place?



Falling in Love by Philosophy is a fragrance that features musk, vanilla, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and blackberry

It's not one of your typical mainstream scents. And for a smell like this and an appropriate price at Php 2,750, it's definitely worth splurging on.

Here is what is written on the box:

"When it comes to love you need not fall but rather surrender, surrener to the idea that you must love yourself before you can love another, you must absolutely love yourself before you can absolutely trust another and most importantly, you must accept your flaws before you can accept the flaws of another."

What's your scent and how does it make you feel?

I hope we all get to experience this feeling... falling in love.

XOXO,

Erika

LIVE.FASHIONABLY.



Watch out for 2011 Spring Trends

What's your bet?

We can't wait to hear your predictions!

XOXO,

Erika and Marga

LIVE.FASHIONABLY.

LMFAO:Laughing My F****** A** Off

STYLES Entertainment, World Wide Womb and REPUBLIQ
present

Grammy-Nominated Artists

LMFAO
in a Private Live Performance
with hit singles "Shots," "I'm in Miami, Trick!" and "La, la, la" among others

Catch their infectious electro-hiphop party rock sound live at
REPUBLIQ Club
20th of January 2011 (Thursday)

Party Starts at 9 PM

Limited Slots Only
First Come. First Served.

Preselling the first 100 Slots ONLY at Php 1,000 (consumable two drinks)
Php 1,500 (consumable two drinks) at the door

Contact 0917.550.8888 or 856.0914 for table reservations and other inquiries
LAST FEW TABLES LEFT!

World Wide Womb | 897.2474 | www.eventscapemanila.com
Styles Entertainment | www.stylesentertainmentgroup.com

See you there!

XOXO,

Erika

LIVE.FASHIONABLY.

Golden in the Golden Globes: Fashion Studio Favorites

The Golden Globes being the first award ceremony of the year sets the mood for fashion in the months to come in my ...opinion.


We see so many beautiful dresses that we are left to do nothing but drool!


Here are Fashion Studio's favorties and we hope you agree with us too.



Quote of the Post:

"WE DON'T GET TO EAT ON GOLDEN GLOBES DAY"

-Olivia Wilde

And here she is on the big day- I guess not eating truly has its benefits?

Gorgeous... but a bit too much for a wedding gown than an award ceremony for me.
Nevertheless, this subdued Jennifer Lo is looking even better- right beside Mark Anthony.

Did she read our post on the 2011 Color of the Year?

Because here is Clair Danes in a Honeysuckle Calvin Klein number.

Finally, some color!
This Emilio Pucci saffron number paired with gold accessories and turqoise earrings is a close favorite.
We hope to see more of this this summer.

I don't think this suits ex-Mrs. Parker.

Is this an ode to the death of her marriage?

I think divorce is supposed to make you push to look better, not older...

This is what you pull-off POST Ryan Reynolds?!?

From the newly divorced to the newly wed,
Megan Fox is smashing in this subtle ensemble.
It would have been boring if it weren't for the sky high open wide slit - Welcome to Megan.



With a baby bump and a golden globe, this was definitely her night.
Aww, how soft does she glow.

I think her New Year Resolution is to no longer wear black!

Well, it's about time.

Great dress in a great color. Is this the REAL color of the year?

Mila Kunis may be second in line to Natalie Portman in the Black Swan, but she certainly outperformed the other in this dress!

As if to wave the flag of victory for Michael Douglas' fight against cancer, Mrs. Douglas comes in this strong moss green number by none other than my dream wedding gown designer, Monique Lhuillier.
Love.Your.Own.

THE GRAND WINNER:

NUFF SAID!

Which ones did you love and what did you hate? We're too diplomatic to post more of the things we abhorr.

Such a waste of cyber space!

Just wanted to show you the looks we love, let us know yours!

XOXO,

Erika and Marga

LIVE.FASHIONABLY.

Welcome Back Old Friend:Casio Watches

I've always loved watches and they were something I would save my school money for so I could buy one from Swatch or Sanrio.

A loooong way back, it was the only pice of accessory we were allowed to wear in our conservative Catholic all girls school so I had no choice but to use this as my vessel of fashion. I have long given up my old childish watches for the younger generation of cousins but there is always one that I've never really fully let go of- in my heart at least!

Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipments solutions, established in 1957. Casio became well known for the wide variety and innovation of its wristwatches. It is one of the early manufacturers of quartz crystal watches, both digital and analog. It also began selling calculator watches during this time. It was one of the first manufacturers of watches that could display the time in many different time zones and of watches with temperature, atmospheric-pressure, altitude, and even GPS position displays. Popular current Casio watches are the G-Shock and Waveceptor models.

Amidst the economic crisis, and many thanks to nostalgia marketing- all the things we used to think as "hip" when we were younger are thankfully, back in the game.

Back when loafers and boat shoes were the shoes of choice and Jansport was every kids backpack, there was Casio on our wrists.

Now, 15 years later, my old friend who originally taught me to read time (because it was digital) has resurfaced once again but this time, in a bolder, brighter and bigger setting... and I'm not the only one wearing these!

Here is a picture of mine, kinda old-school but its new! I got it in Japan for Php 450, such a steal!

...and finally my favorite and most useful Casio Watch of all time!


Casio CA53W-1 calculator watch

Other Followers of Casio are:

Usher rockin the DW6900 and the Biebz in a red G-Lide.

Kanye also has a DW6900.

 
Don't forget to watch Ellen Paige sporting this watch in Whip It!

Ellen Page, as Bliss Cavendar, wears a classic Casio CA53W-1 calculator watch in the movie Whip It. This classic Casio watch is stocked with features, like the 8-digit calculator, constants for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, water resistant, dual time, daily alarm, 1/100 second stopwatch, measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99”, measuring modes: elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times, hourly time signal and a calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2079).Casio has just refreshed their decidedly retro-line of calculator watches. All cost $59 a piece, except the black, which costs more than its colored. The black one is $69.

Casio G Shock watches are now very affordable and it's sad how so many faux ones are everywhere.  Still, there is big difference in quality. Who knows, this will most probably come back in season a couple of years down the line. You wouldn't want to save a faker do you?

What's your favorite vintage watch?

XOXO,

Erika

LIVE.FASHIONABLY.

Do you Dare to Be: "Different Like Coco"

I love reading books and have been collecting fashion books for quite some time now.
I love the good anecdotes, the uplifting stories on how- indeed, we can all be beautiful and of course, the pictures and illustrations.

I'd like to share with you a book I have come across recently and I am glad to say that it's definitely not your typical run-off the mill fashionsita book because this one is a great bed time story!

In line with the illustrated cover, Different Like Coco is a children's book that urges mothers and daughters alike to learn more about hisotrical fashion figures in a summarized manner- and for the kids (early on in life). It beats having to read a thousand pages of biography and at the same time, allows you to spend more quality time with the little ones.Not only is this book perfect (and educational) for you Chanel loving mothers, it really does have a good lesson (actually a few of them) for little girls.


The book is quite endearing and is definitely something I'll be picking up for my future little gal just to show her how cool mommy is!

I'm glad there are now books for children that are both fashionable and significant. It gives way to realism while still allowing us to dream! Her story truly is inspiring!


Here are a few pages from the book:

Loving the very French illustrations and somewhat muted colors.

Here is a Short Summary of the Book as wriiten by Elizabeth Mathews:


"Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was always different. And she vowed to prove that being different was an advantage! Poor, skinny, and orphaned, Coco stubbornly believed that she was as good as the wealthier girls of Paris. Tapping into her creativity and her sewing skills, she began making clothes that suited her (and her pocketbook) — and soon a new generation of independent working women craved her sleek, comfortable, and practical designs. Now an icon of fashion and culture, Coco Chanel continues to inspire young readers, showing just how far a person can come with spunk, determination, and flair. The rags-to-riches story of Coco Chanel plays out in a wonderful picture-book biography as full of style and spirit as its heroine."


It's not yet available in National, Power Books or Fully Booked but you can order it online via Amazon for USD 11.55 or make a special order for the book in any of these book stores.


Happy Fashionble reading!
What's your favorite fashion book?


XOXO,
Erika

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.

Source: mylittlebudoir.com

The illustrations are so appropriately French!

Would you try this trend? Denim + Denim

 

I think this look is fairly easy to pull off. Well, no one has to buy the matching pieces from the runway, you could just go through your wardrobe and find those denim shirts and pants with similar shades and make. They say its so last season but it looks like its here to stay! 

Check out my photo trying this trend, what do you think? :)

 

H&M Jeans and a Market! Market! find denim top

XOXO,

Marga

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.

P.S.

I love how denim shirts are so comfortable and while denim jackets could be your go-to-jacket on somewhat chilly summer nights.

 

She's turning 25!

Hanah turns 25 next month! And I gently volunteered myself on finding inspirations for her birthday dress. For the past years its been tradition that she wears something red and safe (Well, don't get us wrong because the color actually looks good on her and its suppose to attract good vibes) but this year she's shying away from the usual. I was all for drapes and laces but when I consulted her, she said wants something sophisticated and chic but still fun. Just went through a few dresses from a couple years back Fall collections..grabbed a pen and tried my best to sketch a design for her.

  

BTW Erika IS the real designer here, I've been telling her to come up a with a new collection soon ; )

So, only half the battle is done. We still gotta scout the metro for the materials and bring it to our old trusty seamstress. Photos of the process and final outcome of the dress will be posted soon!

And yes, I hear your cry. We still have to find the perfect shoes!!! your suggestions are very much welcome!

 

XOXO,

Marga

 

 

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.

2011 Color of the Year

Turquoise is out. Honeysuckle is in.

Aside from the rich reddish pink hue, the name of the color is also quite catchy.

Honey Suckle. 

We heart it.

Here is what the Pantone Institute had to say:  

Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”


Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It's a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women's apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men's ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.

What is Pantone Anyway?

Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color.
For more than 45 years, Pantone has been inspiring design professionals with products, services and leading technology for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity.
In 1963, Lawrence Herbert, Pantone's founder, created an innovative system for identifying, matching and communicating colors to solve the problems associated with producing accurate color matches in the graphic arts community.
His insight that the spectrum is seen and interpreted differently by each individual led to the innovation of the PANTONE® MATCHING SYSTEM®, a book of standardized color in fan format.
Pantone has since expanded its color matching system concept to other color-critical industries, including digital technology, fashion, home, plastics, architecture and contract interiors, and paint.
Today, the PANTONE Name is known worldwide as the standard language for accurate color communication, from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, across a variety of industries.

We like this shade of pink. Not too orange and not too much on the red side either.
A lot of skin tones will actually suit this and the funny thing is, even if its a shade of pink, its definitely not too girly.
It also helps that the name, honeysuckle is so inviting!


What is YOUR color? What do you think should have been the color of the year?

Above, from left: Nina Ricci, Jil Sander, DKNY, Valentino.

XOXO,

Erika and Marga

LIVE. FASHIONABLY.