The Latest Scoop

As much as I want to update my blog daily, my academic schedule and co-curricular org responsibilities do not permit me to do so. It's a good thing that I'm taking up more major subjects at school, such as Marketing, Advertising and Principles of Copywriting, which are all very much in line with what I do.

I don't really feel that I'm not blogging as often since I still write similar items all the time. Most of my writing assignments for school get me extra excited because I can further polish whatever skills I have and learn more about the things I'm very passionate about.

Of course, I'll try to post as frequently as possible. I might even post some of the pieces I wrote in class, such as this photo press release. ;-)

photo credit: http://www.haagen-dazs.co.uk/

THE LATEST SCOOP FROM HÄAGEN-DAZS

Summer vacation is long over, but we still can't stand the heat. Chill with the latest offering from Häagen-Dazs that'll surely keep you cool -- Summer Berries & Cream. It's a frozen treat like no other. Indulge yourself in its creamy, fruity goodness today.

Häagen-Dazs is available at Eastwood City Walk, Libis, Quezon City and select supermarkets.

The challenge was to grab the readers' attention with the overline (title) and generate their interest in the product with the right words. It'll only be effective, however, if your readers will start craving for the product and want it enough to go to Eastwood to buy a pint. Well, I wasn't able to actually give it a road test since my professor was the only one who read it, but then I got a perfect grade. (I'll stop bragging now.)

I love school so much, but I'm also looking forward to actually doing all this -- magazine writing, copywriting, scriptwriting, news writing, and writing, writing, writing -- in the real world. I bet it's going to be even more fun, exciting and challenging out there. I can't wait!

I really hope nobody gets tired of waiting for new entries. Besides, you can always click on my featured links on the right for your daily dose of fashion and lifestyle buzz. You won't get disappointed with my local fashion blog favorites! But remember:

I'm not going to stop blogging! ;-)

The CityLifeStylist

A Father's Day Treat: Style Guide for Men

Before anything else, I'd like to greet all daddies, papas, tatays and pops out there a Happy, Happy Father's Day!

This occasion calls for a special post on styling and fashion for men. Here are a few tips that can help you in building or reinventing your wardrobe.

photo credit: http://movies.aol.com

1. On Wearing a Suit. Take the cue from the stars of Ocean's Thirteen. Never wear an oversized suit. It must fit you just right. Bulky shoulders are a no-no; so are sleeves that go past your wrist or are too wide. You can easily ask your tailor to alter these. Also, get a clean, polished look with pants that aren't too long for you. If you want to dress to impress, or simply want to look good, a baggy suit won't do the trick.

2. A Perfect Match. Here is something I learned from GQ: "Match your socks with your suit." According to their website, "when choosing socks, the basic rule is to consider the suit instead of the shoe—in other words, if you’re wearing a navy suit with black shoes, reach for navy socks. And when wearing a light suit, make sure the socks are darker than the suit but a shade or so lighter than the shoes."

photo credit: www.tiewarehouse.co.uk

3. Slimming Down. Your tie, that is. Slim neckties will give you a younger and more sophisticated look. Plus, they can be worn whether you're dressed up in a suit or dressed down in a button-down shirt and jeans. Every guy should have the classic black tie in his closet. You can also opt for printed ones such as the striped ties above for a funkier look. Keep in mind, however, that ties that are too slim (narrower than three inches, for instance) will give you a look that's more quirky and trendy, rather than sleek.

photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org

4. Shades. There are sunglasses that suit every face shape, but one thing that men should avoid is wearing athletic wraparound shades all the time. A pair of aviators, for example, would be a classier choice.

photo credit: www.eluxury.com

5. Bag Man. It's wise to buy a bag that looks nice and has good quality. Whether you prefer a messenger bag or a briefcase, your best bet would be a black one with a classic, simple design. A trendy bag can ruin your whole outfit, no matter how snazzy it is.

photo credit: www.wegotsoccer.com

6. Sneaker Style. This is something that crossed my mind before but haven't really thought about until I read it in GQ. I've noticed that a lot of men (of all ages) love their trainers and hightops. There's no problem with that, but it's good to change your options for sneakers once in a while. Cool alternatives are "Stan Smiths, Jack Purcells and Sambas," according to GQ, which can "work with everything, including suits." Talk about versatility!

photo credit: www.doorone.de

7. Which Watch? Just like athletic shades, athletic watches are best worn when you're in the gym or playing sports. When going to the office or going out on a date, a stainless steel watch is perfect. It doesn't have to be very expensive as long as it looks nice and has good quality (so that you also wouldn't be wasting your money.)

photo credit: www.olivergoodstuff.com

8. The Sando: A Thing of the Past. I have never been a fan of the visible sando underneath a shirt. In my opinion, guys should definitely ditch the undershirt for a cleaner look. Then again, I also know that there are guys who are more comfortable wearing one. How about replacing the usual tank top with a white cotton tee with thinner fabric? If you really can't let go of your trusty sando, you can wear shirts with thicker fabric or prints (stripes and checks are always better than floral ones) to camouflage your undershirt. Avoid visible sando lines!

I hope this list has been helpful to those looking for style advice (but have been too shy to ask!) It's always nice to see the men dressing to impress, as well. Of course, you don't have to follow everything in this guide -- you can make your own fashion statement and make it work, too. As I've said many times before, it still comes down to your own personal style.

This entry is dedicated to my Daddy, whom Mommy and I have had quite some fashion influence on, if I may say so myself. But then again, he has always had great style. ;-)

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

The CityLifeStylist

Pedro's Got Style

I was quite surprised when I first found out that I actually have male readers (yup, more than one!) who are genuinely interested in the things I write about, even when I hardly write about men's fashion. I haven't been able to write entries on any of the topics they've requested -- until now.

photo credit: http://www.pedroshoes.com/

Pedro gives a whole new meaning to dress shoes. One look at their designs will make you realize that they're far from your typical pair.

photo credit: www.pedroshoes.com

For a look that boasts both elegance and avant-garde style, step into the office in their black defined artisan tipped wingtip derby or the toned artistic perforated tip leather derby.

photo credit: www.pedroshoes.com

Take your formal and corporate wardrobe up a notch with these black and brown versions of the irregular stitched tapered tip leather derby.

photo credit: www.pedroshoes.com

Pedro's retro inspired faux reptilian texture trim leather loafers remind me of Randy Jackson's style! Skip these for work and take them to the club instead. Perfect for the more daring and sophisticated metrosexual, wear them on a night out or a fun date.

photo credit: www.pedroshoes.com

Other Pedro products that I love are the leather sandals for men. From leather thongs (like the ones above) to the flat dual brass buckled strapped leather sandals and tracked stitch buckled leather thongs (below). These would be a great addition to your casual wardrobe, serving as alternatives to your usual rubber sandals and slippers.

photo credit: www.pedroshoes.com

Aside from dress shoes and sandals, other products under Pedro's line of footwear include formal basics, smart casual and casual sports. The men's boutique also offers a line of carrywear, (although there are no pictures available on their website.)

"A smart twist of enriching timeless classics," Pedro's footwear are, indeed, fashionable innovations created for young and modern men.

Pedro is available at the ground floor of the main mall of SM Mall of Asia. Check out their website, www.pedroshoes.com.

The CityLifeStylist

Working Around the Dress Code

Going back to school means wearing a white blouse, olive green skirt and black leather pumps (or ballet flats on busier days) for four days a week for me, leaving only Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays uniform-free. Having to go to school on Mondays and Saturdays would mean following a dress code, though, excluding anything that falls more than two inches above the knees, rubber flipflops, sleeveless tops and plunging necklines.

Even with my academic workload, co-curriculars, extra-curriculars and freelance work, I still take time to pick out my outfits very carefully on those two days of semi-freedom, just because it relaxes me. Fashion always makes me feel better. Sometimes, though, the weather can be too hot, limiting my choices. There can also be a lot of walking involved, taking away those heels and wedges from footwear options. It can be frustrating sometimes, but after living the kolehiyala lifestyle for two whole years now, I've adjusted pretty well.

May I suggest this short guide for quick and easy looks that are school day-friendly but still manage to raise the style bar:

photo credits: http://shopping.beloblog.com and www.purseblog.com

1. Match the color of your bag with your shoes. This may sound very old-fashioned, but matching bags and shoes instantly make an outfit look more put-together.

photo credit: www.hatsinthebelfry.com

photo credit: www.ciaracreates.com

2. Add key pieces to make a simple outfit stand out. Accessorize with a scarf, hat, belt, bangle or even a fun pair of earrings that can add oomph to your shirt and jeans. Take the cue from my friend Charlene who worked it in a newsboy cap and hoops one day at school. You don't even have to shell out much for these accessories -- head to department stores for great bargains! Above is one of Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard's creations (feathers not included!) Check out her line of accessories, Ciara Creates.

photo credit: http://defactory.multiply.com

3. Choose unique cuts on basic items of clothing. One example is a pair of denims. Instead of the usual plain capris, skinny or bootcut pairs, find jeans with different styles such as those with cuffed hems, cool stitching or more pockets. You can even get your jeans personalized (check out Defacto Industry) to ensure that your pair is truly one-of-a-kind. So even when you're just wearing a simple top, your bottoms will already carry your whole outfit.

photo credit: www.londonsole.com

4. Ditch your flipflops for ballet flats. Find ballet flats in neutral or your favorite colors instead of trying to sneak in those rubber slippers. Aside from avoiding violating school rules, and even for campuses where flipflops are allowed, wearing ballet flats give you a smarter, more polished look.

It also helps to put the clothes that you cannot wear to school in a separate area in your closet. It'll be so much easier for you to pick out an outfit for school, especially when you're already in a rush.

Always keep in mind that when it comes to school, comfort should still be your top priority. Face it: it's difficult to concentrate when you can't stop fidgeting in your tight skirt or torturing your feet in killer stilletos. You can be comfortable without sacrificing style.

The CityLifeStylist

3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2007: Shifting to the Dark Side

I fell in love with and even featured a couple of the pieces from the 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2007 collection last April, and when I found out that his Fall 2007 collection was already out, I immediately checked out Style.com to see what Mr. Lim came up with this season.

From his previous collection dominated by the purity of white, relaxed silhouettes and beautiful rosettes, Phillip opted to shift to the dark side with lots of black, layered clothing and splashes of red. Following are some of my picks:

photo credit: www.style.com

This all-black ensemble has a laid-back silhouette but still looks tailored and elegant. Black stockings have become a big hit on the runway and with Hollywood celebrities, but I'm not quite sure about those making their way to local fashion -- it's way too hot in the Philippines!

photo credit: www.style.com

Phillip still keeps it loose and easy here, layering a long black top over a long-sleeved turtleneck and pairing it with shorts. The fabrics he used look so luxurious. It's an outfit that only a few can pull off, but it has that sexy, laid-back appeal that I love. The layered tops would be too much for the weather here, though. Perhaps tops with shorter sleeves and thinner fabrics can work for us.

photo credit: www.style.com

When will we ever get tired of metallics? I guess they're just too good to lose just yet. This gold and black mini dress is fun, sophistication and spunk all rolled into one.

photo credit: www.style.com

Phillip injected a little bit of red into his collection. This tube dress is very sexy in all its simplicity. The ribbon detail subtly adds a girly touch.

Light or dark, I love how Phillip Lim's pieces always exude that feminine sophistication and ease. He is truly one of my favorite designers.

The CityLifeStylist

Prints and Prints

I hardly buy printed clothing because they're very memorable and I easily get tired of mixing and matching them with the rest of my wardrobe.

When printed mini dresses made their way onto the runways, however, I just had to check them out. It also didn't help that a lot of stores began producing a lot of casual printed dresses with all those irresistible fabrics such as cotton jersey and silk. They looked so easy to wear. You know how much I can't resist relaxed chicness.

Here are a few of my picks from the runway collection that inspired this entry. Matthew Williamson did a great job with these printed dresses from his Spring 2007 ready-to-wear collection.

photo credit: www.style.com

The style of this dress is the most common -- you'll easily find a similar one at local stores such as Bayo. You just might have a difficult time finding a similar print. What makes this dress different is the flower print and the color combination of the flowers on the black background, which makes it very dramatic. Wearing flipflops with it wouldn't work very well because it'll never be a casual dress -- it's meant to be dressed up and not dressed down.

Dressing it up doesn't mean you're going to be stuck with heels. You can wear flat bejewelled thong sandals for a more comfortable, relaxed look.

photo credit: www.style.com

The print on this dress is very simple. It doesn't look busy, which is one problem that I usually have with a lot of printed dresses. It's mostly white and very easy on the eyes. I also like the loose fit. It's still sexy but it leaves a lot of room for a pig-out session with friends!

photo credit: www.style.com

Gorgeous, isn't it? This is my favorite among all of the dresses in Matthew's collection. The print is very oriental; it would look even more amazing on a girl with long black hair and Asian eyes. ;-)

I like how the dress is not entirely printed and that the print is large and bold. It strikes a balance between the print and the solid color in the middle of the dress.

photo credit: www.style.com

By the time I got to see these two outfits, I had already given in, provided that I follow my own fashion rules as to avoid wasting my money on another trend.

First of all, I am not going to shell out a lot on printed clothing because, as I said, they're trendy pieces (and printed, at that!) which I'll eventually get tired of wearing.

Second, I am going to plan how I can wear printed mini dresses in different ways first. See the two photos above? Take note of these:

1. We should all make the most out of leggings while they're still around. If you don't have a pair yet, don't shell out too much on those, either, because you can get a pair for as low as 100Php at a tiangge these days. That's even cheaper than the ones at department stores.
2. A good vest in a solid color -- especially in black -- is a great mix-and-match piece. You can wear it over a dress, a shirt, an oxford or even a tube top. It looks very funky on that printed dress. It gives it a whole new look, which is exactly the point.
3. Keep the accessories minimal. A pair of earrings will do. The print on the dress is already very eye-catching, so piling on the bling is just going to give you a very fussy, over-the-top look.

I hope that was helpful. I also need to keep those in mind because I tend to get carried away sometimes. I know that fashion shouldn't have any rules, but I do stick to the ones I've created (or learned from others) to avoid becoming a fashion victim.

The CityLifeStylist

Moss and Mall Madness

Had I remembered that the Kate Moss for Topshop collection was going to be out TODAY and had I been informed earlier that the Glorietta Midnight Madness Sale was going to start TODAY, I would've brought shopping money with me when I went to Makati this morning.

As those of you who have read my previous entries know, I live very far from Makati and it takes a lot of effort for me to get there. Too bad.

Still, I hope to see you there this weekend! I'll try to drag myself (and probably my mom -- wink, wink) to Glorietta or even Robinsons Galleria to check out the goods Kate Moss came up with. (Check out my previous entry on the collection here.)

The Kate Moss for Topshop collection is already available at the following branches:

1. Glorietta
2. Robinsons Galleria
3. SM Mall of Asia

The Glorietta Midnight Madness Sale is from June 1-3, 2007. The mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight TONIGHT (you still have two hours). On June 2 and 3, 2007, they will be back to their regular mall hours.

Have fun!

The CityLifeStylist