Off the Runway: Noot Seear

Check out the Modelinia video below for a peek into model and RoseCharities founder Noot Seear's closet. Find interesting pieces, like her collection of vests, beaded necklaces and rather unconventional shoes.

See more videos on modelinia.com

The CityLifeStylist

Leather for Tropical Weather

Leather is not exactly the most comfortable thing to wear under the hot Manila sun. Leather jackets, pants and even tall boots are very likely to make any Pinay fashionista cringe, but this doesn't mean you can't work a little bit of it into your wardrobe. Here are a few leather things you can actually enjoy wearing in this climate.

photo credits: www.target.com and www.vivre.com

The easiest leather items to work with are accessories--belts, purses, or cuffs, like the ones pictured above. Slip on a bejeweled leather cuff for an instant edgy feel.

photo credit: http://shop.nordstrom.com

Black leather shoes such as pointy-toed pumps are great closet staples, but there are also shoe trends that can help update your look. Studded peep-toe booties and strappy platforms with chunky heels are a few new styles you can step into!

photo credit: www.shopbop.com

A leather vest is a good substitute for that to-die-for leather jacket that might actually make you sweat to death. Avoid wearing it with another black piece, unless it's something breezy like a tank top or a tube dress.

photo credit: http://japablum.blogspot.com

Wearable leather bottoms include mini skirts, which would go perfectly with a simple tank top or tee.

I would still keep wishing for cool weather in the Philippines, though, even for a few months every year. I'd definitely love to don a motorcycle jacket when that happens! ;)

The CityLifeStylist

Style Icon: Taylor Momsen

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Taylor Momsen's rocker chick look sure looks chic. She doesn't overdo it, and she looks so comfortable in big black boots and a heavy-looking leather jacket despite her thin frame, which is probably why it works for her.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

The shaggy 'do is a far cry from her plain old hairstyle, and it definitely complements her outfits. Her solid black jacket pulls the tee and leggings in clashing prints together.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Ripped jeans and lace-up boots give Taylor's simple black top and hoodie a boost!

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

At the Anna Sui Fall 2009 fashion show in NYC, she donned a dainty dress with black booties and a cropped leather jacket, adding some tough glam to a sweet ensemble.

Oh, and Taylor doesn't have a stylist, unlike many of her fashion-savvy young Hollywood peers. She told Qvest, a German publication, that she picks out her own clothes and thinks "real style is something that comes from within." True, true.


Turn to celebs, magazines and fashion blogs (ahem!) for inspiration, but don't forget to listen to yourself. You are your own personal stylist who will ultimately be the one to know what looks fabulous on you!

The CityLifeStylist

Custom-fit Skin Care from Clinique

photo credit: Clinique

My friends and I were in for a treat when we got invited to Clinique Coffee at Rustan's Makati, where we were given free skin consultations and sampling over coffee.

They asked questions about our skin using the Clinique Computer to determine our skin types, and gave us samples of the corresponding products from their "3-Step System" that suited each of us.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I tried Clinique's skin care system before but stopped after a few years. After my recent Clinique consultation, I realized that the reason why my mom didn't see the results she wanted on my skin was probably because I wasn't using the products properly. The three steps are to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize, and I admit that I overdid the exfoliating part when I was younger. I also didn't follow the steps consistently everyday, skipping it when I was too tired to put on any other product after washing my face, or forgetting to moisturize after exfoliating. I guess these are common mistakes for young girls, but being patient and committed to achieving great skin will do wonders for your complexion--just think of it as pampering!

You can also have Clinique Coffee at a counter near you on Mondays or Tuesdays. Contact Clinique's Marketing Manager, Ms. May Samson, at 0917-535-1805 to schedule an appointment.

Hope you'll have as much fun as we did!

The CityLifeStylist

Let Loose

You're in for both comfort and style with these light and breezy pieces.

photo credit: http://www.rtvchannel.tv

Taylor Swift's signature girly get-up is made up of a feminine frock and tall boots. The loose silhouette on this dress doesn't look sloppy because of the fabric, print and pretty details. Accessorizing is a must!

photo credits: www.eluxury.com and http://laurenconrad.seenon.com

These jersey tank dresses with slouchy pockets are sleek and comfy, and still cling on the right curves. Wear them as swimsuit cover-ups paired with flip-flops, or alone for a day out with heels.

photo credit: www.popcrunch.com

Kristen Stewart graces the pages of Nylon magazine in Alexander Wang, with a pink tailored vest adding oomph to a basic blue tank top.

photo credits: http://laurenconrad.seenon.com and www.singer22.com

The loose white top tucked in a pair of stretch denim shorts by Lauren Conrad (left) create a look that's very casual but put-together, just like the Hills star-slash-designer's outfit (right) where she pairs a black tank with a flowy red Whitney Eve silk tie skirt.

Chill out and loosen up in style!

The CityLifeStylist

Hermès Bags: Toteable Art

Even if I had the money, I don't think I could spend thousands of dollars on a single bag, but it's interesting to watch how Hermès bags are created. Each one is treated as a piece of art. I personally wouldn't shell out a lot of money to purchase artwork, but I do love to admire them.

The CityLifeStylist

Summer '09 Must-haves II: Color Coded

A colorful wardrobe will surely add some punch to your summer. Brighten up your days further with these vibrant pieces.

photo credits: www.shopbop.com, www.topshop.com, http://aminava82.multiply.com

Look juicy with these orange picks. Jazz up a cool cami and jeans with a wooden bead necklace and a pretty Aranaz bag.

photo credits: www.topshop.com, http://oldnavy.gap.com, www.jamesperse.com

A breezy Topshop tank and visor add a splash of pink to the fresh and clean combination of a white bikini top and shorts.

photo credits: www.style.com, www.shopkitson.com, www.shoplulla.com

Turn red when you turn heads in this babydoll dress with crimson lips to boot! Sandals and a bag in a neutral shade like beige will balance 'em off, but you can still sport an accessory with a little bit of scarlet, like this House of Harlow 1960 bangle.

photo credits: www.topshop.com, www.jcrew.com, www.forever21.com

Lime green and purple create a funky feminine look. Add layered chain necklaces and a chunky bangle if you're feeling playful!

photo credits: www.wenn.com, www.ralphlauren.com, www.shopkitson.com

Feel good walking on sunshine in a sunny dress like Whitney Port's and a yellow gold plated medallion locket, another one of Nicole Richie's creations from House of Harlow 1960. Warm up your outfit with a bag and ankle-strap flats in caramel or tan.

Exude that summer glow with these cheery get-ups!

The CityLifeStylist

Summer '09 Must-haves I: Versatile Pieces

Summer is just around the corner and we better start the search for our beach must-haves early if we plan to have stress-free shopping (read: lots of walking space at the mall and availability of items at online stores!) And with the rise of recessionistas and bargain hunting, hitting two (or more) birds with one stone is always good news. Here are some versatile pieces you can keep for the summer and beyond.

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

Online Treasure Trove. Check out these cool purses from Trove that can go from handbag to clutch in a snap! Use the Pereshchepina (shown in aqua, right) or the Sassanian II (shown in black and white, left) to tote your beach essentials during the day. Come evening, fold your bag into a clutch and dance the night away. Log on to the Trove website for more designs and information on how to order. Better put in your orders ASAP if you want to get your hands on these--only five to ten bags for each design are created!

photo credits: http://www.style.com and http://gossipgirlwiki.wetpaint.com

Two Become One. Here's a swimsuit that has more spunk than the regular two-piece. Ditch your bikinis for sassy maillots like this wicked one-piece from Salvatore Ferragamo that Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) sported in an episode of Gossip Girl. If your swimsuit isn't too slinky, you can even wear jeans and a funky jacket over it for a night out! Find cute cutout maillots at Folded & Hung and Freeway.

photo credit: www.topshop.com

The Perfect Tank Top. This is such a versatile piece that you can layer with practically any outfit for almost any occasion. For the summer, look effortlessly sexy when you use it as a swimsuit cover-up. Look for one that's really comfortable and flattering on your figure--not too tight and not too loose. My fave tanks are from Topshop, and I can say that the moolah I spend on every vest is totally worth it because of the perfect fit and the nice breathable fabric.


Happy shopping, everyone!

The CityLifeStylist

Stylish Couple: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson

photo credit: http://fanpop.com

I already posted a lot of entries about different style icons, but I haven't been able to feature stylish couples yet! And since my previous post on Kristen Stewart's smashin' style has been the most-read entry on The CityLifeStylist.com, the first couple I'm putting the spotlight on would have to be onscreen lovers Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson of Twilight.

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

Kristen's shiny little black number matches Robert's snazzy black suit and tie. Tousled hair looks hot on both of them.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Not only do they have amazing chemistry onscreen, this couple also rocks outfits that perfectly go together on the red carpet. Here, Kristen dons a one-shoulder dress in white, gray and shades of red with black stiletto pumps and a black clutch that complement Robert's all-black outfit.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Robert dresses down in black sneakers and a brown leather jacket, while Kristen glams it up in a white tube dress and black T-strap mary janes.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Robert goes the casual route once again in a tee and Doc Martens, but jazzes 'em up with a black coat. Kristen looks stunning as ever in a black and white striped tube dress and her T-strap mary jane pumps.

I'm excited to see more fabulous outfits from this stylish duo. With New Moon in the works, we might even be in for a triple treat, with Taylor Lautner joining the party. Can't wait!

The CityLifeStylist

Strand Up

photo credit: Therese San Diego

Gold and pearls never go out of style. Wear them with a range of outfits from day to night.

photo credits: www.tobi.com, www.forever21.com and www.farfetch.com

Pile them on over a simple, casual outfit, like a t-shirt dress and strappy wedges in neutral or solid colors. (Above: T by Alexander Wang baggy boater's dress, Forever21 necklaces and Givenchy wedges)

photo credit: www.theinsider.com

A long single strand of pearls with a short gold chain looks fresh and sophisticated. Lauren Conrad dons a black mini dress, black pumps and a Chanel purse, and finishes it off with pearls and a thin gold necklace.

photo credit: www.unefemme.net

Speaking of Chanel, who could forget the lady who put class in costume jewelry with layers and layers of faux pearl necklaces? (Above: Coco Chanel)


It's great to get wild and experiment with fashion, but there are times that call for the classics. These pieces would definitely do the trick.

The CityLifeStylist

The Row: Seasons Ago

Check out this 2007 video promoting Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's clothing line, The Row. I adore all the pieces in this particular collection--except for the black hoodie and the fur coat.










Timeless.

The CityLifeStylist