To Distress or Not to Distress?

I love Nation Tees. The idea of soft, well-worn shirts is a concept that is of this time. Who doesn't like lounging around in a shirt you've had forever?

But then again, the Elizabeth and James tee is another story. For US$99, would you want a shirt with itsy bitsy holes and a tear on the collar?I think...NOT. Unless it was layered with something else, maybe. But I can easily "distress" my own clothes this way, thank you very much!

I love Elizabeth and James clothes. And their shoes are divine. But this one? I don't know with you, but am not buying it.

Fine Sherry

The doctor's bag. The tool box. Maybe the mail man's bag. These are just some of the inspirations behind Sherry Stein's stylish industrial-style bag collection.

Discovered her while going through the Domino Flickr site that featured her apartment.

Based on her bag collection, it's no surprise that Sherry Stein also has a fabulous apartment. She designs sofas, too, by the way. 

Her gorgeous apartment is a high maintenance all white, streamlined and spare in that chic way only one with a good eye can assemble. Every item in the apartment looks really fabulous, almost like a showcase piece yet the overall effect is still warm and liveable.

What's even more amazing is how the bags are styled in her website. This is exactly something I would have wanted to design myself.

Who says function can't meet style? With Sherry Stein's exquisite taste, both meld in an amazing way through all her design works.

Paper Dolls

While waiting for my sis-in-law finish shopping at the humongous Westville shopping center in Annapolis (she was looking for a birthday gift for my brother), I read the latest issue of H&M's in-house magazine (Winter 08/09). Yes, they do have a magazine!

And I saw this spread for H&M's children's line called "Party Petite".

No, I wasn't wowed by the clothes but I was amazed by the styling and art direction.

Imagine no talents used. Just...paper!  The fabulously unique idea comes together pretty well in a visual style that arrests yet keeps the clothes the center of the story.

The problem with other stylists sometimes is their idea overwhelms the clothes. But isn't it the point of styling to enhance the items supposed to be focused on, in this case, the clothes?

In that sense, this idea achieved that objective.

Stylist: Marina Kereklidou.

She's Got Magazine Issues

This is one of the recent websites I've come across that made me chuckle. Read about the low down on various fashion magazine ideas about "affordable" fashion and click the link below.

She's real funny.

Here's an excerpt. Click link for more. You won't regret it, promise.

"Bazaar

One page of “Hottest, Newest, Latest” is devoted to “fashion at AFFORDABLE prices.” It was wise to emphasize the word “affordable,” because otherwise—well, see for yourself.

Total number of deals: 6

Their idea of dirt cheap: A $69 Banana Republic scarf

Most expensive bargain: A $395 Elie Tahari clutch

Cheapest item elsewhere in the magazine: $140 J. Crew flats

Priciest item elsewhere in the magazine: A $450,000 Neil Lane for De Beers bracelet

Item whose price makes me question the wisdom of capitalism: A $46,650 Balenciaga dress. No, it isn’t woven from gold. Why do you ask?"

Statement to a T

For US$14+ dollars, make a statement about your NY state of mind with a Head Hoods tee.

My fave is the "I Can't Afford to Heart NY" tee. Check other t-shirts, too.

The street-smart tees are witty, non-mainstream and are designed by a musician/designer from Brooklyn. Buy one and support a self-sufficient entrepreneur/artist who is making it work despite the recession.

P.S. He has hoodies, too!

Head Games: The Fascinator Trend

I am seeing this trend around New York's trendy neighborhoods: flowered bands or what fashion savvy insiders call 'feather fascinators'. (Edit: They were also featured at the fashion accessories show at New York's Jarvis Center).

Remember Kenley Collins head accessories on Project Runway? She wears these cutesy head accessories.

Well, there's this amazing site that makes them and have branded them  as 'ban.dos.'

Flowered bands. Fascinators. Bandos. Whatever you call them, they will help you achieve that cute vintage retroesque look. 

Am sure my friend from Manila, Julette Alon and Bonsai Fojas of Bonne, can make prettier stuff than these.

But if you wanna make your own and express yourself creatively, there's this website that tells you how to make one at Simplicity Patterns.

Go make one!

How to Be a Junior Editor at Elle and Still Have Friends

I have a new obssession. Not, it's not coffee, drugs or fashion.

It's Stylista, the new reality show apparently produced by Tyra Banks that features young, eager fashionistas vying for a Jr. Editor position at Elle.

The prizes? The position of Elle Jr. Editor for a year, a fabulous NY apartment for the duration of the job plus a year's clothing allowance from H&M.

Tasks include purchasing the healthiest, most tastefully presented breakfast for the Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey, or thinking up a fabulous theme party for her niece. 

I know it sounds ridiculous, but they DO other challenging tasks like finding the next 'it' trend, whether a gem of a store in downtown Manhattan or the latest beauty product at Chinatown.

My favorite tasks were shopping for Slowey's Hampton wardrobe at Bendel's with a budget of US$1000 and creating a "trend" page from clothes and accessories found off Elle's fashion closets.

 Episodes can be viewed on YouTube. Am on Episode 3 already!

Filipina in Nylon

Got the latest ish of Nylon with the freshly shorn Lily Allen wearing Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tao Comme des Garcons on the cover.

And yay we have more on the Filipina in the US fashion press: Melissa Dizon, the designer behind 'futuristic' and 'organic' clothing line called Eairth.

Apparently, eco-mad New Yorkers are buying her natural fiber and plant-dyed style-meets-function green garments like mad.

From what I have read from publications here and heard from my classmates and teachers at FIT, green clothing is a growing market in the US.

Blame it on the recession. If you have to spend, after all, you might as spend on something that's good for the world.

I haven't been to her Makati showroom and wish I had. Of course, I think about this now that I'm in another country but from the press photos I've seen before I left, her clothes have that slouchy, comfy silhouette. They're the kind of clothes that are fashionable yet don't look like you've tried too hard.

So why not proclaim your love for the environment with your clothes and still look chic?

Rush to Kaight at 83 Orchard St. NYC where Eairth is sold.

Arnie in the Village

Last night, in desperate need of heat, Andy and I went to the famed Russian and Turkish Baths in the East Village which has been in operation since 1892.  It was a great idea as I was getting tired of the freezing New York winter. I emerged refreshed, red-faced and blissed out.

Just as a backgrounder,  I could descibe it as a wonderful if rather gritty and 'rustic" experience. Once there, you are supposed to move from one spa experience, preferably from hot to cold, amidst Caucasians speaking different languages in half-dress.

While there, I heard people muttering in Spanish, Russian and French. Someone was even humming some Turkish prayer.

The Baths are over 40 years old and reportedly, Collin Farrel would go here everyday when he comes into town. Too bad we didn't see him.

After, we walked on to look for an Indian restaurant nearby. Instead, we ended up having dinner at Thai NY (394 3rd Ave,  New York 10016
at 28th St.

We ordered spring rolls, dumplings, pad thai and sea food with basil (the latter is called the "Pacific Wave"). Loved it! The flavors and serving sizes were just right and the waiters attentive and courteous. We left a hefty tip.

Funny enough, we walked on afterwards and found a lot of Indian food restaurants we would have wanted to try AFTER we finished dinner. Well, maybe next time.

Oh, we also spied - surprise, surprise! -  Elvie's Turo Turo ( 214 1st Ave, New York 10009 btwn 12th & 13th St) which is a few steps away from the Baths.

Well, now I know where to go if I want a different take on Pinoy food or craving for some Chicken Tikka or Tandoori.

Versatile Item

I love clothes that are versatile. For example, black cardigans that turn into scarves; tube dresses that turn into skirts; full-on pants that folded up to become capris. Or think the little black dress, the white button down shirt or even Diana Von Furstenberg's "wrap dress". You get the picture.

So when I bumped into the "Circle Scarf" sold at American Apparel, I was immediately drawn to it.

It's one long piece of tubular knit material that you can wear many ways.

I actually have something like this I bought at Market Market back in Manila, but it was smaller and was meant to be worn as a scarf-slash-head piece in the same manner - many different ways.

At US$25 each, though, I think it's highway robbery.

So I am thinking of creating one when I get back to to my stash of knit fabric gathering dust in my Makati apartment.

It is a fabulous idea though. Done in a print material, it would make it even more versatile.

However, thankfully, I ended up buying the unitard I went there for to use at the spa and for, hopefully, consistent, diligent Bikram yoga classes in the Upper East Side near where I stay now.

Shhh there is a free one week trial!

Barbie Accessories

See the pic? You wouldn't notice but these accessories are made of Barbie doll parts.

Another talented accessories designer from my FIT class, Margaux, designed these amazing and unique items.

Visit her site to see more Barbie artistry.

Zipper Art

My classmate at FIT evening class, Kate Cusack, creates the most beautiful jewelry out of the most mundane materials like zippers and plastic wrap.

And the beauty of it is you never see that they are made of these items till you come closer. You only see how beautiful they are wholistically.

Creating gorgeousness from ordinary objects is a wonderful talent, and Kate obviously has tons of it.

Check her out at her website.

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons

Just had Asian lunch and crepe dessert at "Come Over Caffe" (off 62nd and Lexington) when I stumbled upon a little piece of a sartorial dream next door: A store selling buttons! Yes, just buttons! And all this, surprisingly, in the Midtown business district of the Upper East Side.

Tender Buttons has buttons galore in all shapes and sizes and different price points lining every wall of the store.

I couldn't stay long a while ago but I will go back tomorrow to spend more time searching for new buttons for one of my jackets. Happiness!

Recession Fashion

At school last Tuesday night (I take evening classes at FIT on Fashion Start-up Business), we discussed how hard it is for garment manufacturers and fashion designers to make a profit.

Apparently, though, one of the companies still making money is that purveyor of all things affordable: Walmart. Interesting fact.

However, people in class were wondering why a lot of people still buy expensive organic food and green clothing. One perfect example is Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

One theory that came up was that most people with money just shifted or prioritized their money for more important, or at the very least, more gratifying purchases.

Between health and looking good, health sounds like a better priority especially with health costs in the U.S. at an all time high. And buying green well, just makes you feel better.

But that isn't the mindset of the teens, college students and even the twentysomethings.

The discussions veered towards the assumption that teenagers hardly feel the aches and pains of old age yet so buying for health isn't as important. They do buy for green bragging rights. 

So when we asked by our teacher, a veteran of the garment business, who he thinks is the best market right now to sell, he answered his own question: He said it was still best to sell to the teen market. They are first priority in the family (after everything else, they were first) and often have more purchasing power.

So I've been wondering how to start that business with them in mind during these turbulent times.

I am confident that anyone who ventures into business right now can always think creatively even in crisis. In fact, most businesses that started during a recession went on to do well after a few years.

Gave In

Got the plaid dress! Am glad I went back for it. It's el cheapo, versatile and the right silhouette for now. I can layer it now over pants or leggings or alone with capris or shorts in summer or when I get back to tropical weather in Manila.

In the photo, I layered it over my Proenza and Schouler tissue-thin tee for Target. Love, love!

Rad Plaid

Okay my prayers are answered. I dropped by at Astor Place station on the way to the Lower East Side and spied a shhh...KMart!

To kill time in between appointments, I hung around and found US$19.95 plaid shirt dresses! Long-sleeved, just the right length that's so now, and available in three colors.

I was there to buy a flash disk though so I am holding out till tomorrow. It's just a short subway trip away anyway.  If I still want it tomorrow, I wouldn't mind buying it. I mean, for US$20, it's a real steal.

Will take pictures when I get it tomorrow. 

Mad for Plaid

Why is it so hard to find a plaid shirt dress? I really want one in a long sleeved version which I can wear with tights and a coat and a wide belt.

I found one in a Queens branch of Urban Outfitters one time but it was in a rather stiff cotton almost linen material which looked boxy on me. I would prefer it in a softer material. Plus, the one they had was in this drab gray plaid. A blue or a red would look nicer.

Anyone know where I can get one, short of altering a thrifted one?

NY Budget Finds

As I am on a student's budget right now, I am a bit extreme when it comes to comparison shopping.

Like did you know that in one branch of H&M alone, they had three different prices for relatively the SAME long-sleeved, v-neck wool blend sweater?

I found one for US$25, the same one for US$14+ and another one for US$12. It boggles the mind.

In comparison, Express has the same ones for US$25+, too.

In search of leggings, I found an opaque version at H&M and were sold for US$12 for two. The line at the cash register was so long though I just gave up paying for them.

Fortunately, I went to my favorite Forest Hills haunt, a place called Value Depot manned by a kindly Indian lady. They sold similar thick tights for US$3.99 each.

I got one in ribbed and one in cable. You can't have enough thick black tights in this weather!

I even got black opaque stockings from the same store for - hold your breath - US$1.99!

I checked the quality and it wasn't really that different from the H&M and Zara ones.

Am a pretty happy camper. I am actually contemplating on getting one of their pleather jackets when I get back. They were tagged  at US$19.95 only!

In other news, I love, love love Urban Outfitters. They have the loveliest jackets which don't look like ones anywhere else. I found one with a longer than average coat tail that look just divine but it came only in a size small. *Sigh* Oh well I can always come back.

Hurrah for comparison shopping. :) I wanna go thrift shopping in Brooklyn again and rip apart a boy's navy jacket to see how it's made and sew it back together again.

Shirt Dresses Ad Infinitum

I just spent 3 hours of my life poring over this site. I think it's a Korean site and boy do they have the most awesome shirt dresses and coats! The styling has that Japanese-Korean aesthetic to it, too so I find it real cool.

The number of options just boggles the mind. Plus this V-Neck one that I like is only US$19.80!

Wade through "dresses" and drool. :)

Queer Eye for QVC

My favorite Queer, Carson Kressley, gets on the designing bandwagon to design a series of perfect basics for QVC. I woke up this morning delightfully surprised to see Carson peddling his wares on the home shopping network here in the US, and he was funny as ever.

Normally, I laugh at the way people host and sell items on that channel. They can border on fake. But I, of course, Carson was an exception. Am charmed and believe in the evolved taste and style of Carson because one, he's gay. And two, he does a perfect job in styling people on Queer Eye for a Straight Guy.

He perfectly describes the button-down stretch long-sleeved shirts he has in his aptly named "Perfect" line as a basic that can be "tjutzed" just right because of the extra long and high collar (just right), and his classic wool-cashmere peacoat as close to "custom-made" because of the raglan sleeves (no shoulder fit problems). I felt myself nodding and agreeing at all he said cause they were not BS at all.

The peacoat is divinely lined with silky-material and has a beautiful navy blue ribbon detaiing INSIDE the jacket running around the waist. How very Paul Smith!

Am checking the rest of the collection online now. If you've never bought anything on QVC, I think this is a perfectly good time to do so with Carson's items. And as Carson explained, "You save gas, too."

Style Guide

Went to the nearby Barnes and Noble and with a lot of time in my hands, bought a book: "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style."

They grouped people into 10 basic styles, and I discovered that I am mostly an "arty slick" girl.

The other styles include "euro chic", "california casual", "rock and roll", "posh eclectic" and "mod." There are more and even included a "mix and match."

It's a pretty good book and can give you some inspiration during mornings when you don't know what to wear. You can either pick just one style, or be a different person everyday.

P.S. It also has "Lucky Breaks" at the back. That means exclusive deals, discounts and giveaways. Ooh I'm tempted to shop online!

In Search of Open Toe Boots

Fall is definitely here. I have my old reliable Nine West classic black boots. And white flat leather boots.

But lately, I've been thinking of getting open toe boots for fall. I've been Googling for ideas. Am sure I'll find something at H&M or Top Shop. I can't wait to go to New York next week.

Personal Style

I stumbled upon this blog a few months back, and it only goes to show you don't really have to spend a lot to look unique and wonderful.

Check her out: Kingdom of Style. She's handy with the sewing machine and a knife (see her slashed out cool t-shirt).

Watching Tim Gunne

One of the many pleasures of being here is being able to watch shows I would otherwise not be able to back in Manila. Case in point is "Tim Gunne's Guide to Style."

I particularly like the way Tim Gunne explains style principles in a way that is easy to understand. He perfectly communicates how to make the best of one's proportion, to avoid bulk and to use the right silhouette.

However, the more I watch, the more I realize it's really a very "basics" kind of show. Which is good, but it ends there. So most of the time, these "everyday normal" people wear pretty classic bordering on boring clothes.

Again, perfect fit is a minimum, I think. After a while, it can get boring. I wish they would get out on a limb and "go wild" a little.

Lip Service

I have a new favorite lip balm: Alba TerraTints!

I bought it at the Healthy Options store in Greenbelt 1 back in Manila. I wonder where I can get a replacement here?

What I like is that it's naturally tinted (using minerals) and has a chemical-free  SPF. I am currently using Garnet for everyday. It's like your favorite lipstick smudged twice off your lips.

What's nicer is it has a nice pepperminty feel and smell. Oh and it comes in 6 other colors, apparently. I am personally hooked and hope I never run out of a tube.

In the Red

My favorite lipstick, Laura Mercier "Healhty Lips", a rich, semi-matte red favored by Julia Roberts, has just gone its course. I need a new red. But would it be worth it to try another brand?

I tried MAC "Russian Red" but it overwhelmed me a bit. What do you think is a nice red lipstick that's not too matte nor too shiny?

Clothes to Fall For

Fall is making herself felt. I can feel it in the coolness in the air. I see lots of pumpkins and Halloween decorations, The leaves of trees are all turning into delicate variations of yellow and gold. Oh and yes, there's a lot of talk about Rei Kawakubo's capsule collection for H&M.

You know, Rei Kawakubo, that media-shy, avante garde Japanese designer/founder of Comme des Garcons.

Previews of her upcoming collection reveal the same Japanese, deconstructive aesthetic. Uncharacteristically, she has used some color in the men's line. She often churns clothes in her trademark blacks, grays and whites.

I can't wait to get my hands to check the construction and study the pattern behond her designs. Most of her designs have an element of asymmetry. Asymmetry. I've recently discovered, complicates the patternmaking process a bit (this is for the designers/sewers out there).

And goodie, she has stuff for men, kids and also designed accessories.

H&M Tokyo gets first dibs on the collection though. A few days later, the rest of the world follows suit.

I am still surprised that despite New York's acceptance of individuality, I could be having coffee at busy  Dean and Deluca's on Broadway and see people pass by one after the other dressed basically in the same way. It is not so in Hongkong, Korea and Japan. 

The presence of Muji, Uniqlo, this collection and th growing appeal for anything Japanese in this side of the world is a pleasant direction that I can't wait to see unfold.

Poor? It Depends

A friend of mine and I were chatting yesterday, and we got to talking about all the news here in the US about recession, layoffs, people losing their jobs and their homes, and we both agreed: Americans should try living in Manila so they would realize how much they have it good.

In the Philippines, about 80% of the population belongs to the DE market, and mortgages and car loans are the least of their concerns. Heck they don't even have mortgages and car loans.

In a country where big mansions exist beside shanties, poverty is something Filipinos see everyday. So much so that people just become blind to it. About 5-10% of the population has 80% of the country's wealth. It shocks me to this day when we got briefed about this statistical info during our account briefing at the ad agency I used to work with.

And yet Filipinos are one of the happiest people in the world. Is it because we don't try hard enough? Or are we lazy?

I would think it is because we value things mroe than money. We value family, religion and community. Now if only the ultra rich 5-10% of the population decides to distribute the wealth.

Perfect V-neck Tee

I love Gap. I find a lot of great staples at Gap. Over the weekend, I went to the nearby branch and scoured the sale racks.

I've been in search of the perfect deep V-neck tee ever since I saw the Olsen twins wear them. I modified some men's shirts one time and manually cut the neckline into a deep V.  This method worked quite well, but somehow, the fit around the shoulders wasn't that good. Plus, the shirt I got didn't have that softness that was inherent in the Olsen twins version.

So I was pretty glad when I found US$9.99 deep v-neck Pima cotton shirts at Gap. I got one in gray and purple just 'cause I didn't wanna get another black one. It's the perfect soft, thin material you can layer on and the silhouette is exactly the one I was looking for.

I also got 3 soft cotton jersey dresses, one in gray, one in a heather blue and one in chocolate brown. The damage? Oh just US$10.97 each. Who could resist?

I can't wait to layer them with long sleeved tees, jackets or leggings. Grab some!

Why Kenley?

   
Project Runway musings:

Why did they keep Kenley? 'Cause she's cute? And makes for great reality tv with her brattiness?

Bratinella episodes aside, I still like Kenley over Jerell though. She clearly has a distinct aesthetic which I love, despite being singularly focused on the 50s silhouette.

It's getting really exciting! Can't wait for the next episode!

About Arnie

A Manila girl who churned out ads for an ad agency in Makati City, Philippines, Arnie is now in the East Coast working independently on some personal accounts while studying fashion courses at FIT. She used to design and sell bags in Manila. When she's not busy raiding Century 21 and Target, she cooks, tries out new restaurants, counts the number of NARS blushes she already has, reads Thoreau and Neruda and plays with her two-year-old niece Meg.