2008 Resort Collections: Black(!) and White

Sometimes I feel like a fashion rule-breaker in the Philippines when I wear black in the summer (or any other day in our tropical weather, for that matter.) Black pieces—from clothes to shoes and bags—fill almost half of my closet. I suppose it just comes down to the fabric and the cuts.

Well, this brings me to my new finds. I was browsing through the 2008 Resort Collections of my favorite designers, and absolutely loved these:

photo credits: http://www.style.com

Leave it to Diane von Furstenberg to create dresses in black and white and black and cream prints for resort wear. The tie-neck and plain halter designs of the dresses are very chic.

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

This Marc Jacobs dress looks very couture and would be perfect for cocktails and other semi-formal gatherings.

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

This Ralph Lauren dress is very sleek and sophisticated, but it looks casual enough for a day at the mall or a summer trip. With its neckline and breathable fabric, a dress like this wouldn’t look or feel warm at all.

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

Of course, there are black swimsuits that will always be perfect for the summer, like this Chanel maillot. Channel Posh Spice by adding black sunglasses and a black wide-rimmed floppy hat and prepare yourself for a stylish summer getaway.

Guess I really won’t be ignoring that part of my closet this season!

The CityLifeStylist

Fun in the Sunglasses

Make Love Not War is a new shop on the block with a wide variety of sunglasses that'll keep your peepers from squinting in the sun. Your summer wardrobe won't be complete without one (or all!) of these:

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

Add color to a neutral outfit and make waves with sunglasses in aqua.

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

Opt for black or brown shades for a more polished, classy look.

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

Get funky with these vintage sunglasses which are quite a steal. Not everybody can pull them off, though, so if you're one of the lucky few, you better get your hands on them right away!

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

White is always hot for the summer, and these sunglasses would be even more perfect with an all-white outfit or white with denim.

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

If you're feeling futuristic, they also have really cool silver shades that would go well with your metallic silver swimsuit. Just make sure not all of your accessories are silver, unless you want to look like a sexy robot. ;)

Make Love Not War is located at 7496 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati. For more designs, prices, products and other information, check out their site, http://peacedudes.multiply.com/.

The CityLifeStylist

The CityLifeStylist Turns 1!

Summer's finally here and The CityLifeStylist turns one year old today!

As a summer and anniversary treat, I'm sharing with you some of the great stuff I learned in "the field" during the past year.

A vacation isn't complete without little treats that'll get you refreshed and rejuvenated, so here are some summer makeup tips straight from the experts.

photo credit: http://images.eonline.com

This season, keeping your face looking fresh is quite a challenge. Makeup tends to melt very easily in this weather so take it from Barbi Chan, chief makeup artist of Maybelline New York--"use a liquid foundation that's very light because even if you're oily, you just need to blot your face and the makeup won't come off."

Get a clean, natural look like Blake Lively's with a liquid foundation that works with your skin. Keep a packet of oil blotters such as Clean and Clear Oil Control Film in your bag, and you're all set!

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

L'Oreal Paris chief makeup artist Jigs Mayuga advised during a makeover shoot that if you're going for a natural look, keep everything simple but play up your eyes. For a look like Rachel Bilson's, even out your skin tone with foundation, sweep on some blush on the apples of your cheeks, apply a muted color on your lips but pile on the mascara!

The True Gold mascara in black is a must-try. It lengthens your lashes, doesn't clump, and won't burn a hole in your pocket. (Available at Rustan's Essenses.)

photo credit: http://abcnews.go.com/

Tips Destacamento of Paul and Joe suggests peachy hues for cheeks, which works for almost any skin tone. For a natural, sun-kissed look like Lauren Conrad's, try the Black Label Blusher in Cute Orange at The Face Shop or peach blush from The Body Shop.

Have fun experimenting! Remember: go with what works best for you.

More summer treats to come!

The CityLifeStylist