Aerin Beauty Now in the Philippines

I first learned of Aerin Lauder from reading Vogue and Vanity Fair, plus seeing her in one of those now defunct New York society websites - more of the fawn-y Park Avenue Peerage than catty Socialite Rank. Because she's cool like that.

It is hard not to notice her. She's blonde and elegant. If Truman Capote were alive to day, he'd have named her one of his swans. 

But unlike the socialites of old, she's not only a tastemaker and philanthropist, she is a working doña.

The granddaughter of beauty visionary Estée Lauder, she continues to work for the company where she has held various executive roles, including Senior Vice President and Creative Director. Currently, she is Estée Lauder’s Style and Image Director. 

After all, who else can interpret that effortless elegance the company's brands are known for better than her? 

So it was not surprising that in 2012, she eventually started her own global lifestyle brand, AERIN.  Based on the premise that living beautifully should be effortless, the brand develops curated collections in the worlds of beauty, fashion accessories, and home décor. With her passion for art, travel, fashion, and design, Aerin's own lifestyle serves as a focal point of inspiration for the brand. 

Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell carried AERIN. My gorgeous leather sandals that I still wear to this day is from her Spring 2014 collection. I feel like a donya when I wear it, which is I think Aerin's point. The same goes for her scents, which I'll tell you more about below.

For Aerin, every piece by AERIN is created to make life more beautiful, with a sense of ease and refinement. Like my summer sandals which I got from Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell in 2014 and now, from the AERIN scent and lotion which has finally made its way to Manila.

Because if we can't have her Hamptons beach house, then we can at least look and smell like we own one, heehee.

The AERIN Fragrance Collection launched in November 2013 with five distinct scents, Gardenia Rattan, Amber Musk, Lilac Path, Ikat Jasmine and Evening Rose, each evoking a sense of luxury, lifestyle and personal experiences.

In February 2015, the first parfum of the Premier Collection, Rose de Grasse launched in key markets. Two additional fragrances, Waterlily Sun (which is what I have - so dewy and fresh, even with a hint of musk) and Iris Meadow, joined the Fragrance Collection in November 2014, followed by Mediterranean Honeysuckle in February 2016 and Tangier Vanille in August 2016.

The AERIN Rose Collection, an edited assortment of bath and body products with a signature floral infusion, was initially introduced in September 2012 and now features nine distinct products, notably the Rose Lip Conditioner and Rose Hand & Body Cream.

Today, AERIN Beauty is available in 25 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, it is available at Rustan's Makati. 

The Sun Always Shines at Itsie-Bitsie

If any one store represented a season, then Itsie-Bitsie would be summer.

Maybe because whenever I step into Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell, I always always remember the first time I ever set foot in it's original spot in Malate. 

The sun was bright, the store was impossibly chic, and it was stocked with diaphanous cotton wraps, some candles and scents, and the breeziest summer tunics - Calypso by Christian Celle, if my memory serves me right. 

I was instantly transported to a place where kids spent their summer weekends on daddy's boat, or friends going on long drives to a beach house in Tali or Nasugbu.

And I was there on a weekday. 

In fact, my friends and I were in between classes, reading case studies, when our friend Isabelle announced she needed a pair of jeans and would we be interested to look with her at Itsie-Bitsie?

I still get that summer vibe at Itsie-Bitsie Rockwell of course. Especially since Ines has that knack for picking up the freshest contemporary brands that any girl worth her most flattering Mother Denims can fall back on when tropical or resort dressing comes into her social calendar.

Take for instance these summer-y sandals, flats and rope wedges from Aerin.

Aerin is the lifestyle brand founded by the effortlessly chic cosmetic company heiress Aerin Lauder. I can totally see her in these while at her weekend home in East Hampton or vacationing in Turks and Caicos.

rope-soled wedges

nude with gold leaf sandals

there's a white with silver leaf version too!

I ended up with these, it matched my outfit perfectly, like it was meant to be!

fish thong sandals

Nothing can be more summer than swimwear by Orlebar Brown. Love this rashguard.

These board shorts.

And the always classic all-black maillot. Paired here with a raffia sling bag, Aerin gold leaf sandals and printed denim shorts by Ines' latest find, Dutch brand Scotch & Soda.

Ines got the exclusive rights to bring in Sun Bum to our shores, and there's plenty of it in her store. There are sunscreens, cool down sprays and lip balms, so we can bask in the sun worry free.

I find myself getting more drawn to prints these days. My wardrobe used to be all solid colors, stripes and plaids, but now, it's getting its fair share of prints, and if I could, I would add some Banjanan to the mix.

Each piece is printed and embellished by hand! Soooo gorgeous when you see and feel it up close. Love the sustainability story behind it too.

I have yet to check out the store for their recent Spring arrivals. I know Figue should be in by now, as well as denims by Victoria Beckham and Athe by Vanessa Bruno. I know there will be some Vanessa Bruno sequin totes coming too.

Meanwhile, now's a good time to stock up on Mara Hoffman, OndadeMar and Orlebar swimwear because of their Swim Sale ongoing until May 4, 2014.

 

Itsie-Bitsie = summer forever. But remember, the swim sale ends on May 4!

Itsie-Bitsie
RS 114 & 119 Joya Lofts & Towers
Joya Drive, Rockwell Center Makati
Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm