For a Southie and fashion enthusiast like me, the travel to Shangri-La is worth the trip. My list is two pages long and it’s certainly good to get an early start. I went on a Tuesday and love that the mall is not too crowded. My favorite stores like  Massimo Dutti,  Stradivarius and Zara never fail to yield good finds. The luxury stores on the newer wing (Gucci, Saint Laurent, etc) are also a big draw for mall goers. But, there’s more!

I was pleasantly surprised to see a big United Colors of  Benetton at the mid-level 2/3 East wing. Of course, I had to check it out. This brand was all the rage back in the day (80’s and 90’s) with its multicolored tees that had a small logo on the left hand side. This time, garments and purses sported a happy fruit theme.  Very noticeable are other vibrant designs such as  the dot looks for women and playful optical patterns for men. The store itself had a very fun vibe with  luscious red cherry decor strewn across the floor. I love the pastel bags, sweaters, and shirts. There’s also a kid section so I immediately thought of getting a twinning outfit for my daughter and myself. Can’t wait to bring her to the store!

Then there’s the Puma shop. Showcasing its Forever Faster spirit and athleisure flair, I was told by the salesperson that only Shang Mall carries the Fenty x Puma capsule. This latest collaboration, with Rihanna as Fenty’s Creative Director, blends Puma’s sports heritage with the singer’s music, culture, and forward fashion style. The metallic Fenty x Puma Avanti features the king football boot worn by the greats (Eusebio, Maradona and Pelé) with fresh details like the Fenty logo, a fold-over tongue, gum outsole and a leather footbed. “Size seven please!”  Better hurry as the store only carries a very limited number of these sole beauties.

Next, I headed to the Lego store to check out the latest in the colorful brick toydom. All Lego fans will appreciate the newest feature in the store where they get to see the final outcome (fully built Lego design) witout opening the box. The personnel showed me a sample of an Optimus Prime box. He scanned the box and I was able to see the completed truck and robot on screen. Wow! Check out collections from BTS Dynamite, Marvel, Harry Potter, and more. There’s also a mini-figure station where you can build your own designs. It’s the perfect place to leave the kids and keep them busy while you check out the merchandise.

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Muji store! Bedsheets, containers of all kinds, plastic cabinets, notebooks, refillable pens– it’s a one stop shop for everything you need. Plus, there’s a coffee shop in front so you may want to get your caffeine fix before continuing on.

I’m attending  a wedding in a few weeks so I dropped by Francis Libiran’s atelier. Beautifully beaded gowns  and men’s suits were on display. Gowns start a t P80,000 depending on the intricacy of the design. Headpieces, belts, and different accessories can also be seen throughout the store.

Any mall visit will not be complete without a stop at the bookstore.  School has also just started last month so I bought art materials, a copy of Vogue, and an Agatha Christie book from National Bookstore.

All in all , it was a very exciting retail therapy for this queen. I’m sure you’ll have as much fun as I did.  So do visit  Shangri-la Mall and experience unparalleled shopping and dining…. My food crawl in the mall is coming up next!

With a pocketful of glitter,

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“A shared respect for modernity and timeless design is evident in Jil Sander’s latest collaboration with Uniqlo, particularly in coming up with clothes that are sophisticated everyday essentials,” according to Tadashi Yani, Uniqlo CEO for Fast Retailing.

“I set out to define he modern global uniform with this in mind: clothes should be long-lasting and enduring. They should serve the wearer and serve him or her the energy and self-assurance which is so much needed in our global reality,” commented Ms. Jil Sander.

The Fall/Winter 2020 +J Collection consists of versatile pieces. Characterized by fine tailoring and sculptural shapes, the distinct lines give definition to moving panels and architectural silhouettes.

+J Collection

I love that the styles are perfect for everyday wear (the tops and pants,at least) while the outerwear pieces are so fashionably practical. These include hybrid down styles, utility-inspired jackets, military blousons, and cashmere blend coats with full yet body conscious cut. Luxe  oversized shirts come in stripes and a classic palette from ivory to black with playful contrasting color patterns. You can dress it down with denims or go for a more elegant look with a nice skirt or dress pants. Sweaters are beautifully knit from fine gauge cashmere to extra fine merino wool and blends. The dresses are no fuss and straightforward in its display of purity and practicality.

Find the +J Collection now available in Uniqlo’s Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati.

With a pocketful of glitter,

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Vintage Meets Classic

The two brands  agreed on a look that represents both their heritages.  Together, they created three statement pieces that combined Royalty’s signature style and Krispy Kreme’s legacy. The main feature is the varsity jacket. It brings us back to the time of exclusivity to affiliations and the pride of wearing a jacket in honor of those ties. Then there’s the fanny pack (in red/black and denim) that tell the story of Krispy Kreme throughout these years. These will bring you back to nostalgic time when you first saw a Krispy Kreme Store or took your first bite out the Original Glazed Doughnut.

The items are very limited so please head on to the following Krispy Kreme branches and get yours now!

Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma, Burgos Eats, Paseo de Magallanes. PowerPlant Mall, Alabang Town Center, IT Park Cebu, and Ecoland Davao.

With a pocketful of glitter,

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LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s unique style. It is known for  having the best fit and fabric that are made affordable and accessible to all. I’m a big fan of the brand and LifeWear because it really makes dressing up easy, and undeniably, is great value for money. With each season, I find clothes that are constantly being innovated and simply made better than the last.

Any choice will be perfect as all styles are designed to elevate every woman’s fashion game.

Day to evening dressing is a breeze with  tops that can take you from casual to refined. Versatile and elegant, each style can be dressed-up or dressed down to make it the right choice for any occassion. I love that it’s wrinkle-free and can be paired with jeans, a skirt and even shorts!

Choose from mercerized cotton or crepe jersey and subtle boat collar or a keyhole cut in the collar. Any choice will be perfect as all styles are designed to elevate every woman’s fashion game.

The T-Shirt Collection is now available at all UNIQLO stores nationwide.

With a pocketful of glitter,

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Luxe Buys

How about some much needed retail fix? Let your fingers do the tapping, and find the most extraordinary products from around the globe exclusively sold in one fabulous online platform  — HEMERA Philippines.  With high end skincare Orogold Cosmetics as its flagship brand, clients can now purchase from other luxe lines like  fragrances from Parfums De La Bastide. Its formulas are proudly artisanal, preservative free,  and manufactured in small quantities in Provence , France.

Sumsum offers HALVA, a middle eastern dish that dates back to the 7th century and is served as a dessert mixed with fruits.  Treat yourself to dark chocolate halva, berries halva, coffee halva and so much more.

Premier is a skin care company which uses only the most advanced cosmetics technology in combination with famed minerals from the Dead Sea.

Reseveralife  is all about healthy lifestyle experienced through the five senses. It carries a diverse lineup of products ranging from aloe vera soap, hibiscus tea, manicure sets, candles  to aromatherapy oils and yoga mats.

Mariah Carey swears by Tresore Rare. Treat yourself to skincare products, perfume and masks fit for celebrities and superstars!

Adore Cosmetics carry products that use stem cells found in organic fruits and plants, has vitamin C, bisbalol and other natural nutrients that leave skin feeling fresh and revitalized.

Shoe lovers shout with glee! United Nude carries designer shoes by Issey Miyake, Raiko, Loop, Molten etc.  Cutting edge and modern, the shoes are not for the timid.

Then there’s Herstyler, a brand known for hair styling tools. Herstyler’s extensive product line combines fun and creative designs to ensure that your hair is always looking extra fabulous!

Ladies, it’s time to be happy again! Head on to https://www.hemera.ph/ and treat yourselves to luxe buys from Hemera! You can also find HEMERA on Instagram @hemera .

With a pocketful of glitter,

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Model turned Designer

Born and raised in France, Ines became top international model soon after starting a career at the age of 17.  She walked for renowned fashion houses and is considered a style icon in the industry.  In 2013, she relaunched her own brand, Ines de la Fressange Paris, and continues to embody modern Parisian chic as an art director.

Tres Chic, C’est vrai!

At the intimate launch held at the press room of Uniqlo Flagship Store, select media and digital personalities had the first glimpse of the collection. In keeping with the motif of “luxurious clothes and beyond,” the range of wardrobe essentials brings comfort and the LifeWear philosophy of providing high-quality clothing that is universal in design.

Crisp pieces in dark blue, cream, tan and black hung unobtrusively in one corner of the room. I would describe the collection as clean, has a unisex feel, and can easily be mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe. The line comprises of three themes:

Paris: Timeless Sports Styling – Getting inspiration from the 1924 Olympics in 1924, some pieces are masculine, including Tilden knitwear and jersey pants with white and green key colors.

Gardians: French Cowboy Ode – Gardians is the French word for cowboys. Provence, in southern France, inspired many artists like Picasso and Vincent VanGogh. The influence of the place can be gleaned from the coordination of black and white items in masculine styling.

Mused: Relaxing Outdoors – Dresses with ruffles in relaxed silhouettes and dainty colors are also included in the collection.

Shopping Spree

Of course, the highlight of the afternoon was when we were each handed a card that allowed us to choose our very own Ines De La Fressange outfit. I paired my collarless button-down coat with a belt and studded leather sandals bought from Italy. Classic and comfortable dressing made easy by Uniqlo!

With a pocketful of glitter,

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Function and Fashion
For married couple Daniel Chew and Rebecca Ting, leaving their corporate jobs to start their own clothing company was the best decision they’ve made. Daniel holds the financial reins while Rebecca oversees the brand’s aesthetics. “We wanted to create an apparel line that is classic, timeless and functional. ” Rebecca shared. “Vine is an informal word for clothes. We named our brand Beyond the Vines because we want to go beyond just selling garments. From the choice of fabrics, the feel of the material, the way our clothes complement the form of a woman, and most especially our incomparable customer service – everything comes to play in giving our clients the utmost in shopping experience,” added Daniel.

The initial collection includes wardrobe staples like tops, shift and shirt dresses, skirts and maxis. Inspired by the couple’s love for architecture, a seamless symmetry of clean lines, basic cuts and understated elegance is evident in each piece. The subdued colors such as white, grey, and pale blue of the current set echo the sophistication and quiet ease of the label. According to lead designer Johanna Lau, “We are not a super trendy brand. Our clothes are not limited to a season. They can be paired with a client’s existing wardrobe, worn from day to night, are appropriate for the office and even for after work hours. Our clients love to take us in their travels! We use premium cotton, jersey, linen and suede so the clothes do not wrinkle easily.”

At the private launch, guests had fun playing dress-up. The pleasure was in choosing pieces to mix and match. Some opted for color block dresses while others reached for single hued maxis. The more adventurous put their fashion savvy to work and created looks fit for the runway. A flurry of excitement permeated the air as enthusiastic shoppers selected from the racks and made their way to the dressing rooms.

But beyond the fresh fashion drops, it is noteworthy that the business is socially and environmentally responsible.

True enough, once the ladies were garbed in their BTV outfits, they exuded confidence and bliss even. One customer commented, “The fabric feels so cool and luxurious. I love that it’s breathable yet the fit is superb.” Another quipped, “I can’t make up my mind which one to get. I guess I just have to treat myself to all these!”

 
A Dynamic and Socially Responsible Enterprise
Customers should expect to find new designs every month in addition to the staples. But beyond the fresh fashion drops, it is noteworthy that the business is socially and environmentally responsible. The BTV team made sure that all packaging and labels are biodegradable. Stringent checks are also in place to guarantee that their Chinese manufacturers observe fair labor practice so dressmakers work in a clean and safe environment.
Look no further for stylish investment pieces. Visit Beyond the Vines, the consummate purveyor of sophisticated and classic clothes, at the mid-level 2/3, East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza Mall.
With a pocketful of glitter,

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Then I headed over to SPERANZA where I met its owner Mylene Aquino. She shared, “Speranza means hope in Spanish. It’s the women from rehabilitation centers and women prisoners who are responsible for crafting these beautiful woven bags. Each only weighs a pound, is durable and very competitively priced.” As fate would have it, I wished for the golden RAFAELA bag, pulled out a card from the table (she was raffling off the multi-colored arm candies) and I WON the bag! Price range:Php500 to PH2500

I had fun at the cosmetics booths, too. I love ELLANA’s glittery setting facial mist. MiMi carries Korean cosmetics and its own locally made line HALO. For the make-up junkie, there’s brow pomade, lip tints, lipsticks, blushes, lotions etc. BABE beauty line also has face mists, brow soap, and lippies.

Thinking of giving accessories to your girlfriends? PRISM MANILA sells healing crystals that have been made into earrings (only PH250!), necklaces and bracelets. I chose an amethyst necklace that the owner “cleansed” in a metal bowl before it was handed over to me. Amethyst is known for its relaxing, calming effect — just what I need! ISLAND STYLE Collection has resort wear, bags, and accessories from Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. My eyes instantly zoomed in the multi beaded bracelets with kamagong wood clasps (Just PH500!). Of course, I had to have one! COPPERAZO, as its name suggests, makes use of copper. When I asked, “Why copper?”, the owner gamely responded, “Why not?” Had to giggle at his candid answer. Pliable, hypo-allergenic and pleasing to the eye, copper wire is a great medium to highlight the different stones/ gems used in making rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

TASTY BOX sells homemade dim sum like siopao, siomai dumplings, chicken feet, radish cake and more. A box of 12 sharksfin costs PH120. CHOCO LOCO from Davao has different flavors of cocoa nibblers that come in attractive black packaging. I love the fruity dark chocolate variant! Then there’s SANDY DAZA’s empanada. The recipe is from his mom – culinary legend Nora Daza. This one you have to taste for yourself. Basta it’s delicious! BOULANGERIE 22 has the softest, yummiest, chocolatiest custard pan bread. (I got so tired and hungry from carrying all my shopping bags that day. The Japanese chocolate custard pan bread was a lifesaver — Ate it in the car just before I dozed off )

UNWASTED is art on denim. The artist/owner breathes life into old denim by adding on embroidery, patches, and paintings (Jackets PH10,000 up). SPIFFY SLEEPWEAR has cotton and silk sleepwear for moms and daughters (PH250 up) MARK BUMGARNER will also be at The Flair bazaar. I have my heart set on his hot pink bucket bag (PH15000). SAPATORS is owned by Stephen Torres, a third-generation shoemaker. Expect quality, comfortable, custom made shoes from this label.

This is just a sneak peek at what you can expect from FLAIR THE FIFTH AT ROCKWELL. See you there on the 23rd and 24th of November! You need extra hands to carry all your loot!
With a pocketful of glitter,

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For Beabi owners Winnie Go and Willin Chan, collaborating with painter Manuel Baldemor was an easy decision. The latter’s flower series paintings are clean, light and simply joyful. The women of Beabi chose three paintings they felt would appeal to their customers and had it printed on different styles of black tote bags. “Imagine owning your own Baldemor and being able to carry it on your arm,” Willin Chan said at the recent launch of MBaldemorXBeabi at the Ronac Art Center in Ortigas. “Well, Beabi has made it possible and affordable.” Winnie Go was quick to note, “We have only reproduced 500 pieces of each design. For Ph2495, you can be a proud owner of a limited edition Beabi Bag with the artwork of one of our country’s most esteemed painters.”

The three chosen pieces from Mr. Baldemor’s Floral Symphony Collection have the following titles: Flowers are a Joy Forever, Flowers Speak from the Heart and Amazing Grace. All are beautiful prints on stylish bags by Beabi. I must admit it took me a while to choose from the three designs. In the end, I chose Flowers Speak from the Heart which is a vertical print made on a modern satchel that may be held close to the body or one may also opt to use the strap and wear it as a shoulder or cross-body bag.

MBaldemor X Beabi bags are now available at the stores. Add this precious arm candy to your bag collection now!
With a pocketful of glitter,

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If you loved watching Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn for 16 seasons in Project Runway and still follow Alyssa Milano and Izaac Mizrahi to this day, well, you’re in for a treat! We have our very own local version. StyleFestPH2019, a project created by 0917 Lifestyle, the tech and fashion brand of Globe Telecom recently announced the start of a two-month Designer Mentorship Program (DMP). Our local fashion designer search has a powerhouse pool of mentors, namely: fashion icon Inno Sotto, style sweetheart Carl Jan Cruz, inimitable stylist Sydney Yap, CEO and Zalora founder Paolo Campos and head of 0917 Lifestyle Leah De Guzman. The lucky eight designers who will undergo the DMP are Ia Coca, Neil Anthonie, Adrian Sahagun, Bessie Besana, Justine Llarena, Bea Guerrero, Einar Nicdao and Austeen Soriano.

“Globe Telecom has always been supportive of the fashion industry. StyleFest2019 is our way to give the young designers a venue to express their creativity and provide them the means to reach audiences here and internationally,” De Guzman said.

Who will be hailed as the country’s best by STYLEFEST 2019?

We caught a sneak peek of Bang Pineda’s capsule collection at the media event held at the Garden Pavillion of the Grand Hyatt Manila. Basing from the excitement of the attendees, I’m certain the other activities lined up by 0917 Lifestyle like trend talks, designers on spotlight and runway shows and shopping soirees from November 4,5 and 6 will be received with much enthusiasm as well. The first day will feature Paloma Zobel, Chris Nick, and Mark Bumgarner which will highlight support for local artisans and indigenous materials like jusi and t’nalak. Body confidence will be the focus of the talk of Boom Sason on November 5, and finally, Bang Pineda will take center stage on November 6. On the last day, SNOOPS will share fashion forecasts and also share their knowledge on how to make campaigns work.

Only two designers will remain in the end. Who will be the first to hear “Auf Wiedersehen”? Who will be hailed as the country’s best? Stay tuned for more fashion news!

With a pocketful of glitter,

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