"MANE" Ideas

I was browsing through a local (Philippine) fashion magazine earlier and I came across an article about designer hair accessories. The prices were outrageous. In my opinion, paying 13,200Php (over US$200) for hair cubes is just plain ridiculous.

Louis Vuitton hair cubes

photo credit: www.purseblog.com

I checked out other designer hair accessories online and found these:

Louis Vuitton Sweet Monogram Hair Clips
$230 (about 11,000.00Php) at www.eluxury.com

Kate Spade Oval Rhinestone Barrette
$75 (about 3,600Php) at www.katespade.comMarc by Marc Jacobs Plastic Hair Clip
$38 (about 1,800Php) (photo credit: www.instyle.com)
Perhaps if designers sold their hair accessories for charity, it would be a little less crazy to purchase them. But then again, come on.

Inspired, I decided to go to the mall to check out great (and probably even better-looking) hair accessories that are a lot less expensive than what I featured above. It was a little crowded at Robinsons Galleria because many shops were on sale, but I managed to take some pictures at Broadway Gems and Armyths Collection. (I'm based in Manila, Philippines, so my apologies to those who are not from around here; but I'm sure that finding cheaper alternatives to designer hair accessories is not a very difficult task.)

HAIR PINS

Here's an accessory that girls of every hair length can wear (well, except for those who have the new Britney Spears 'do, of course.) Hair pins a.k.a. bobby pins are sweet, pretty and very easy to use. Depending on the design, they can be worn on casual days or formal occasions.

Broadway Gems Rhinestone Hair Pins, 119Php (about US$2.47) each

HEADBAND SCARVES

The headband is my ultimate favorite hair accessory. I can just put on a headband and, voila! I get to change my look in a second. A sleeker kind of headband is the narrow and short scarf that can also be worn as a ponytailer.

I already own over 30 headbands but I still wanna have these scarves! I wanted a black silk one but they were out of stock.

Broadway Gems Headband Scarves, 65Php (about US$1.35) each

BARRETTES

Barrettes are good for holding back only a section of your hair. If you want to make a half ponytail, use a barrette instead of scrunchie for a more polished look.

Armyths Collection Beaded Barrettes, 280Php (about US$5.83) each

photo credit: www.glamforless.com

I also found single-row rhinestone barrettes at Broadway Gems that look like the ones in the picture above. I was able to take a picture but you won't be able to see the barrettes clearly because I forgot to turn off the flash. Anyway, the single-row rhinestone barrettes at Broadway Gems are sold at 104Php (about US$2.00) each.

With these equally fabulous hair accessories, who would want to shell out more than a thousand bucks for a hair clip? I suggest you visit other shops such as Girl Shoppe, Colorstone, Oleic and department stores (Robinsons, SM, Rustan's) for more pins and bands for your locks.

STORE GUIDE

(These may not be all of the store branches; I'm listing only the ones that I know of.)

Armyths Collection - Robinsons Galleria

Broadway Gems - Robinsons Galleria, SM North EDSA (Main Building)

Colorstone - Robinsons Galleria, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 3

Girl Shoppe - Robinsons Galleria, Market! Market!, Gateway Mall, Alabang Town Center

Oleic Accessories - Mag:net, Gift Gate

The CityLifeStylist

Closet Keepers

With so many fashion trends coming up everyday, how can a girl possibly keep up?

In the first place, following every single trend is a big no-no unless you want to be a fashion victim. It is wise to choose only a few trendy pieces that suit you well just to keep your wardrobe updated.

The key to a fabulous wardrobe is knowing what works for your body, and of course, your personality. It's all about choosing what looks good on you and what makes you feel good.

On the other hand, there are also some basic wardrobe necessities that should be in every woman's closet. I have come up with a list of wardrobe must-haves that should help you begin to build a spanking-new wardrobe that would last you a very long time.

10 Classic Pieces You MUST Have in Your Closet

1. The White T-shirt

photo credit: www.proshirt.be

Whatever your body type, you MUST find a plain white t-shirt that fits you well. It should be just right -- not too tight and not too loose. This is a very versatile piece of clothing that you can either wear alone or jazzed up with accessories and other pieces. When you do find the perfect tee, get a couple or more 'cause you might not be able to find another one like it.

2. The Perfect Pair of Jeans

Levi's 551 Flare in Deep Blue and Mid Blue

photo credit: www.jeans-online.com

Gap indigo skinny fit jeans

photo credit: www.gap.com

Determine the right pair of denims for your body type. Look at the style and the wash. For fuller figures, a long dark pair would be flattering. For slimmer body types, anything should work. If you're really thin, though, a lighter wash would work well for you. Be more bootylicious with back pockets. Again, it shouldn't be too tight or too loose, unless you're going for a skimpy or baggy look.

3. The Little Black Dress a.k.a. the LBD

photo credit: http://littleblackdressshop.com

Every girl should have the perfect LBD that can be worn on almost any dressy occasion -- a big date, a cocktail party, and other semi-formal events. Choose a stylish, classic dress that wouldn't go out of style. I suggest you buy a knee-length dress because it's the most versatile length -- not too short and sexy and not too long and conservative. Always check the quality of the fabric and workmanship. Finally, make sure you can move in it! (Keep in mind, though, that in some countries like the Philippines, it is inappropriate to wear black at weddings and debuts.)

4. Dressy Shoes

photo credit: www.neimanmarcus.com

Whether you prefer closed shoes or open-toed sandals, make sure you have at least one pair of dressy shoes that you can wear to formal and semi-formal events. They can be stilletos, kitten heels, wedges or even flats. They don't always have to be metallic or sparkly; for instance, velvet and leather can work well, too.

5. The Purse

photo credit: www.neimanmarcus.com

Some call it an "evening bag" but why call it that when you can use it at daytime? Anyway, you will definitely need a purse to go with your dressy shoes. Call me traditional but in my opinion, it's best to match the color of your bag with your shoes. It looks sleeker and more put-together.

6. The Crisp Button-Down Shirt

photo credit: www.instyle.com

A button-down shirt, like the white tee, can take you a long way. This can be worn casually with jeans, shorts or even a mini. Dress up a white one with slacks and a blazer or just a knee-length skirt for dressier occasions. It doesn't really matter what color or non-color you get, but white and black are always good options. Long or three-quarter sleeves are more versatile than short-sleeved or sleeveless ones as well.

7. Sneakers

photo credit: www.shopping.com

I love classic white sneaks. Whether you're wearing them for sports or just for everyday use, you're gonna need a good pair that would last you a long time. Lacoste has great white sneakers and rubber shoes that would go with any outfit. That's another good thing about white -- you won't have trouble matching it with your outfits. On the other hand, if you like color, that's good, too. Just choose a pair with colors that would match your casual/sporty wardrobe. Make sure you won't end up looking like a Christmas tree, though!

8. Sunglasses

photo credit: www.neimanmarcus.com

You don't have to be a celebrity to sport a really nice pair of sunglasses. Aside from its style factor, it's good for protecting your eyes from the sun, too. (Wow, really?) Seriously, though, the most critical part in shopping for sunglasses is choosing a pair that suits your face shape. Check out this guide.

9. A Good Watch

photo credit: www.omegawatches.com

photo credit: www.tissot.ch

Everybody should have a good quality watch. It's a very practical buy since you're going to be using it everyday. It doesn't have to be very expensive, but it's good to invest in a watch that looks smart and sleek and has excellent quality that would stand the test of time.

10. Jewelry

photo credits: www.africangold.co.za and www.beadnshop.com

It is wise to invest in the real thing because the value of your jewelry increases over time. Gold and, of course, diamonds, are forever, but if you can't afford these just yet, statement jewelry would be your best bet. Bold beaded necklaces, solid metal or wooden bangles and smart pendants are some pieces that can spice up your outfits. In addition, find nice earrings that flatter your face shape. Make sure that you have at least one complete set of jewelry for formal occasions that includes a pair of earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.

So there you have it. Now you're probably itching to find the pieces you don't have yet. Happy hunting!

The CityLifeStylist

Why You Should NOT Always Get "The Look for Less"

When I was younger, I used to browse through fashion magazines and buy cheaper alternatives to the designer outfits found in their pages. As early as 13, I became an expert at getting "the look for less."

The big difference between my shopping habits then and now is that now, I don't just buy the inexpensive alternatives - I also invest in the real thing.

I loved department stores and bazaars (or tiangges, as they are called in the Philippines) and I still do. But now, I also take time to evaluate where to get which item. For example, if I want to get my hands on a bubble skirt, I would go straight to SM or Robinsons Department Store. Why? Because a bubble skirt is a trendy piece which will most likely be out of fashion in a few months. I can get it at about 500 pesos (a little over US$10) or less instead of shelling out over a thousand pesos at Topshop.

photo credit: http://flare.hotresponse.com

photo credit: www.ebay.com

Now, what if I want to buy a collared shirt? This time, I'd go to Lacoste for their signature pique shirts. They may be pricey with ladies' shirts starting at 3,250 pesos (about US$67) but they are timeless pieces of good quality that can even last you a lifetime with proper care.

photo credit: http://store.soliscompany.com

Come back soon and make sure to check out my next entry featuring some of the classic pieces you should have in your closet for more ideas on the items you should really be investing in.

Until then, ta-ta!

The CityLifeStylist

A Short and Sweet Introduction

Hello, everyone!



Welcome to thecitylifestylist.blogspot.com.

This blog is all about the good things in life that women should be enjoying.

SKINCARE MAKEUP FASHION BAGS SHOES ACCESSORIES

...and more.

thecitylifestylist.blogspot.com

Your guide to living the life -- in style.

Yours Truly,

The CityLifeStylist