The Art of Wardrobe Building: The Personal Uniform

Extra pair please! (Parang extra rice lang). My shoe closet essentials (clockwise from top L-R): Lanvin flats, Louboutin Simple 85 pumps, Anthology oxfords, Sperry Top-siders, Isabel Marant Merry sandals

Years ago, back when I was still in high school, I remember Armida Siguion-Reyna saying that when she liked something, she'd buy it in all colors.

At the time, I was like, "How boring! Why get so many of one thing?" Because when you are in your teens, all you care about is variety, diversity, assortment! I have to NOT repeat an outfit, can't be seen wearing the same thing in one month!

But when I hit my 30s, I realized, Armida is sheer genius. Because, when you find something that works for you, it just makes sense to have a back-up, and if you are lucky enough to afford doubles or multiples - so much the better.

That brings me back to the concept of a uniform. If you wore uniforms back in high school, you'd know that you'd have 5 of the same, exact thing. Dressing up in the morning was easy. The only way to spice it up was if you accessorized - i.e. wore St. Michael knit socks and Bass/Cole Haan loafers (this was the early 90s ok, heehee).

So, over a decade after graduating from high school, eeep, make that two decades, I'm back to having a uniform. While I don't necessarily have multiples of the same thing, I buy things I like in at least two colors (I haven't reached Armida levelz yet, then again, I like sticking to neutrals). I keep on going to the same stores. I actually don't mind being seen wearing the same thing over and over, as long as it works for me and my lifestyle.  It makes dressing up each day brainless, and I guess, effortless.

Here's what basically makes up my personal uniform:

Bottoms:

J Brand skinny jeans

Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans

J. Crew trousers

J. Crew shorts

leggings

slouchy printed trousers

Tops:

Uniqlo, Old Navy, A.P.C. button down shirts

A.P.C., Saint James & Petit Bateau Breton shirts

Equipment, Madewell silk shirts

slouchy t-shirts

H&M tunic tops

Dresses:

A.P.C. tunic dresses

Ali Ro jersey dresses

shift dresses

Shoes:

ballet flats & sandals

oxfords

round toe pumps

wedge sandals
sneaker wedge

Outerwear (now rarely used):

Army jacket

Army parka

Navy blazer w/ gold buttons

Grey blazer

Black blazers

While I may have a trendy piece or two thrown into the mix, these are the pieces that are on constant rotation and I just wear these pieces interchangeably. While I don't have a lot of clothes, my wardrobe is complete. Then again, I care more about what's functional and practical now. And like I said, I don't care if I'm seen wearing the same pieces over and over. It just has to be repeated, haha.

Yes, my high school self would find my 36 year old self boring. But I know what I'm gonna tell that little runt - "Wait until you have an energetic toddler and a 6 month old that needs to be breastfed every 2 hours!"

How about you? Do you like the idea of a personal uniform? Better yet, what's your personal uniform like?

24 Weeks

Wore this to dinner with Karrots, Oliver & Tipu at Mamou in Rockwell. Top from H&M, J Brand skinny jeans, Anthology Hudsons, necklace from J.Crew

Ran errands and attended a private sale in Manila Pen (thanks for the invite Therese!). Top from H&M, J.Crew trousers that are starting to get more snug around the waistband, gold TKEES

Photos taken last week of March 2012. I am on my 27th week this coming week, and the white jeans I am wearing in this post need to be unbuttoned now so I can wear it comfortably.

21 Weeks: Busy Week

The past week was a busy week, and I was practically out everyday running errands, shuttling Berry to her activities, going to meetings and attending my BFFs parties: Nina's baby shower and the christening of A's twins. Here's a roundup of what I wore at 21 Weeks. Still haven't bought maternity clothes, wearing my usual stuff - mostly leggings, tunics, oversized button downs, jeans two sizes too big and jersey dresses from Vestito.

Went to the grocery wearing top from Uniqlo, Topshop leggings, Repetto ballet flats (please open soon, Repetto Manila!), accessories from Proenza Schouler and Vita Fede

Went to a press event and an interview wearing a shirt from Equipment France, J Brand jeans, Hudson from Anthology Shoes (super light and comfy! preggy friendly!), Fenton/Fallon cuff

Brought Berry to ballet class then straight to Nina's baby shower wearing a plum jersey t-shirt dress from Vestito, J. Crew necklace, Sigerson Morrison sandals

Yes, you read that right. Berry started ballet classes last week. She was telling me that she wanted to learn ballet since February, and we told her she was too young and that she could start when she gets bigger. But nothing could convince her otherwise. Everyday she would say, "I want to go to ballet school." Not just once, but several times throughout the day. We bought her ballet shoes, just to give in a little, hoping that would be enough, but she loved it so much she wanted to wear them to pre-school too.

This all started when she saw a little girl dancing, wearing a tutu in Vogue and she was copying the little girl. My sisters Dianne and Nicole would teach her positions and she was such an eager student. So Dada said, "Ok! Let's send her to ballet school." I made inquiries and while I was told that they only accepted students 3.5 years and above, I begged that they include Berry because it was her who wanted to go to school and not me, hahaha! They gave in and said she could do a trial class.

Berry was initially intimidated on her first day at ballet class and didn't want to dance, but when we returned that weekend, she went inside the studio without any hesitation and happily followed the moves and steps their teacher taught them! She could follow all instructions at 2 years old. I was misty eyed the whole time watching her, seeing how big our baby has grown. I was prepared to go home after ten minutes, but she finished the class till the end. I was so impressed! So of course, Berry is in, she passed her "audition". She will start once a week lessons from now on and the little girl is thrilled!

Went to the christening of A's twins Anton & Andres wearing a jersey dress from Vestito and Louboutin pumps, accessories from Kenneth Jay Lane, Alexis Bittar and Amrita Singh

My Vestito dresses were a hit amongst my friends, and what's best is that while these are not maternity dresses, they look amazing as pregnancy clothes. Very forgiving on the figure, and can definitely still be worn after Xavi comes out.

Vestito is a local brand owned by my friend Angela Operana-Batoon, and available at The Ramp Crossings in Shangri-la Mall and online at Catalogue63.

For inquiries and updates on new arrivals, add Vestito on Facebook!

19 Weeks: Play Date then Day to Night

Christopher Kane x Topshop dress, Birkenstocks

Audrey & I organized a play date for Berry, Gia & Georgia last week at their home - they had a "nail polish play date" and had a manicure/pedicure session with Hopscotch Kids, heehee. Even 6 month old Georgia put polish on her toes - it's water based naman! Adorbs! I wore this Christopher Kane x Topshop dress - it's comfy with a pambahay feel, but still cool enough to be worn out. AJ, their daddy aka The Graphic Designer, automatically recognized Christopher Kane's work! Galing! Had to clarify though, "Topshop lang ito!" Hahaha!

That same week, I hied off to Anthem in Rockwell to check out Anthology's new Hudson wedges. Angganda! Pregnancy friendly too ha! It's so light and so comfy! I like the grey ones the best, because it has that  nude effect, doesn't look chunky at all and just blends with the skin.

It comes in these 3 colors, and I would so get this in black too when they have it out. Soon please!

I was actually in Rockwell for a lunch meeting with Oliver of AVA (btw, thanks to everyone who supported the FEED sale on AVA! Almost sold out again as of week 1!) but I also had dinner that same evening with Dada and friends - Karrots, Chico, Jacob and Kaye, so this was my attempt at day to night dressing:

jeweled flats from Miu Miu, a dress from Hong Kong, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, Fenton/Fallon cuff

day to night flats diba?

Dragon Dychiao at 15 Weeks

Of course, a rundown of my pregnancy outfit: Zara top, J.Crew trousers, Anthology Beas in Leopard

Thank you to everyone checking up on me, noticing the spare postings in the blog. I am fine, albeit still nauseous and perpetually hungry and never feeling full these days. It's like I can't decide if I want to eat or puke. It's been 15 weeks, but I am not yet totally over the first trimester hump, heehee.

Say hello to Dragon Dychiao, I hope you shower this Little One with the same love and affection you have all showed Berry. Berry is so excited to be an atchi/big sister, and she can't decide if she wants a little brother or a little sister. I think like us, she would be happy either way. This Little One is a blessing, as we have been praying to God to bless us with another happy, healthy baby. I am also praying for the nausea and all to go away. I just want to be able to eat a really hearty meal without fear of puking or heartburn. 

On another note, I haven't been window shopping, shopping surfing or doing any bit of shopping. Which is good news for Dada, but bad news for the blog! No eye candy to share! Hahaha! 

Please bear with me, I will get back into the groove of things shortly. I have lots of people and companies to thank, product and restaurant reviews to share, shopping news (Alexis Bittar coming out with a bridge line, oooh!), wardrobe ideas, and so much more.

And did I mention we moved back to Manila? For good! So yes, we've come back full circle.

Manila Fashion Observer is finally back home! 

Miss-Matched!

Thanks so much Pierra Calasanz-Labrador for the fun challenge of creating looks on Miss-Match and having us turn it into real life outfits for our Little Misses feature! 

From VIRTUAL...

to REALITY:

Me: +J Uniqlo shirt, Zara trousers, Anthology leopard Bea sandals, FEED bag

Berry: Zara t-shirt, Baby Gap jeans, Tiny TOMS

Check out the full feature, HERE!

The Winner of the Shanghai Surprize is...

Ghoent Rodriguez!

We loved your rational, interesting and crazy categories for your answer to the question why Shanghai Pythons are mismatched! As Karrots says, you get an "A for effort"! Because you really thought things through! ;)

We'll send you an email so we can coordinate on how your new Shanghais will get to you! CONGRATULATIONS!

And to everyone who participated, thanks for joining! There are more fun giveaways to come!

Blog Giveaway: Shanghai Surprize

It's the Second week of September and I have a Special Surprize giveaway for you Sweethearts...

Herewith please find, the Sassy, Slithering, Snake-tastic Shanghai in python!

Take note that Shanghais have a deliberately mismatched design. Big python scales on your right foot, smaller, cuter?! scales on your left. Why so? Maybe because it's hard to decide which one looks nicer, so with this, you get the best of both worlds?

Actually, your guess is as good as mine! If you want to win a Python Shanghai, leave a comment and answer the question:

  

Why do you think these Python Shanghais are mismatched?

Don't forget to:

1) Like Anthology Shoes on Facebook +  MFO on Facebook

2) Follow @AnthologyShoes + myself @cd_mfo on Twitter

For extra brownie points, share with us how you would style your Shanghai on Miss-Match* (To create looks on Miss-Match, sign-up and register, it's free!) and email a screencap to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com

The person with the most interesting answer gets 10 points. If you create a look with the python Shanghais, you automatically get 5 points. So whoever comes up with the most points, wins a pair of python Shanghais!

Deadline for entries is on September 28, 2011. Sssssaaali na!


*Note: Miss-Match styling portion of this contest was coordinated with the LabRats.

Barça Fever

From Shibuya, let's go to *cue beauty contestant shout out here* Barcelonaaaaa!

If you're not the oxfords wearing type, and can't take any more of oxfords this and oxfords that from me, ok I will shut up for now and will tell you more about Anthology's first loafers, called Barcelona.

Shut up MFO, loafers? 

No, you, shut up! 

Hehehe, just kidding. 

Yes, we're talking loafers here, babies! Here's a beige one in kid leather, with contrast cushioned leather insoles...

...and the suede and patent version you've seen above. Both come with an Anthology rubber sole:

It's Php 3,995 a pair and the perfect piece to wear with dresses, rolled up denims and shorts, especially when you feel like channeling Alexa Chung.

So, quit loafing about and get it HERE! To reserve or inquire call 0917 89 ANTHO (26846) or email info@anthologyshoes.com

Hasta la vista, precious pesos. Hold-up na ito!

アンソロジー

Hay Anthology! No thanks to you, this Brogues & Oxfords Obsession? It just never ends. Look at what Anthology came up with this time. The Shibuya in all its two tone, colorful gum sole glory.

Nice no? Here's one more to make your heart ache. The Shibuya in midnight blue kid suede with a, can I say ugh!, heart wrenchingly adorbs green gum sole!

I have a black & white cap toe oxford from Rag & Bone but I still want the Shibuya in black & white. And since I also don't have dark blue brogues, with colorful contrast soles, I think I want that too. So hard to choose! I swear, these Shibuyas will make your wallet want to commit harakiri!

Available for Php4,595 and exclusively at Anthem Greenbelt 5 and Anthem Rockwell. To reserve or inquire call 0917 89 ANTHO (26846) or email info@anthologyshoes.com

Ano, harakiri, este, hala bira na ba?!

Meeting Florence

I finally got to road test Anthology's freshly released gum-soled oxfords, Florence. And my verdict? The leather is soft as soft can be. As in ballet flats soft. I got confused, I swear. How does it look so sturdy and so structured and be as soft as this? And the gum soles, hello? Is there a Nike Air Sole inside or somethin somethin? Did Anthology just pirate a sneaker engineer off Nike to get this gum sole thing going?

But before I show you more pics, let's indulge Berry. She saw me taking a photo of my shoes and she wanted in on the action too:

Now, back to the shoe:

I like that it's clunky and a bit chunky. But not too out there. This one is timeless. A bit more casual than the usual all leather oxfords, I think this is going to look great with shorts too! Yesterday, I wore it with skinny jeans. To offset the chunkiness.

Since I was out anyway, waiting for Berry's playschool class to end, I decided to pop by Zara so I can show you how these shoes look like with black trousers. You can style it in a trendy way with the cuffs rolled up...

Or you can do full on androgynous with the shirt fully buttoned up to the neck, and the pants worn the usual way. If my shirt were fitted, I probably would blend right in with the other dudes at Pitti Uomo!

shirt: Equipment, pants: Zara, shoes: Anthology

Each pair costs Php 3995 and currently available at Anthem Rockwell, Anthem Shangri-La, Anthem GB5 and at http://anthologyshoes.com

For inquiries or orders, email info@anthologyshoes.com or contact 0917-89-ANTHO (26846).

Florence and The Shoe Machine

Anthology Shoes has been churning out a lot of really great shoes and it seems there's no stopping them! Ivan & Karrots just released a new style of brogues today called...FLORENCE!

It still is made from the softest leathers, but here's the fun part: It has gum soles! So you can feel a boink! boink! boink! in every step.

Stock # 8788 black kid leather with white gum sole

Stock # 8788 caramel beige cow leather with orange gum sole

Each pair costs Php 3995 and currently available at Anthem Rockwell, Anthem Shangri-La, Anthem GB5 and at http://anthologyshoes.com of course!

I can't wait to wear my pair in black & white! Have you decided on which one you're getting?

To know more please email info@anthologyshoes.com or contact 0917-89-ANTHO (26846).

Tayo Na, sa Avenida!

Well, we don't have to go to Avenida, because global locals Anthology X Team Manila have joined forces to bring us Avenida:

Graphic design giant Team Manila recently collaborated with our favorite shoe label Anthology, for a nice run of three limited edition Shanghai flats, the Avenida Collection - Avenida Beige, Avenida Black and Avenida Camo. 

The Avenida Collection is available only at Team Manila stores for Php 1695.

- Team Manila Power Plant Mall Rockwell
- Team Manila SM Mall of Asia
- Team Manila TriNoMa

Trivia: Did you know Avenida was once considered Manila's Theater District? It was the place where Hollywood movies reigned supreme. Eventually, it became home to live theater performances and where Filipino showbiz legends Dolphy & Kuya Germs honed their acting skills and comedy routines.

Anthology Shoes in Singapore

Look at who has landed in SG! And sizes are running out fast too! How amazing is that!

front row: London in black & Beas in nude, grey & leopard, 

behind are the NYCs in black, dove & leopard

Verona in black, gold & silver

Rio de Janeiro in Prussian, Scarlet & Marigold

Anthology Shoes at Blackmarket No. 2, 2/F Orchard Central, Orchard Road, Singapore.

Blackmarket also stocks world class Filipino designs from Heather Miss Grey by Cecile Van Straten x Bleach Catastrophe, Nixon Marquez, Mich Dulce, as well as other labels sourced from around the region. Pop in for a visit when you have the chance!

Shades of Neutral

Shirt from Equipment France, H&M shorts, Anthology shoes, J.Crew tote & bracelet, 

bangle from my friend Kaye

It looks like I have been dressing with a theme these days. This time, it's based on color - or rather, the lack of it. Everything here comes in a neutral shade of beige & brown.

Here's a better look at my tote. I'm too lazy to bring around leather bags these days. I like the casual nonchalance of a canvas tote.

Oh, and I just realized my outfit is also an amalgamation of sale finds and presents. I got lucky with the Equipment shirt which I snapped up at a deep discount at Madison Los Angeles, the shorts were marked down to $10 at H&M, my wooden bangle is a gift from my friend Kaye, and the oxfords are from Anthology shoes (thanks Karrots & Ivan!).

I am quite obsessed with Equipment shirts, and I would to buy a rainbow of it when I have the chance.

Carine Roitfeld's life partner started it back in 1976 (same year I was born! ha!) and Current/Elliot's Serge Azria revived the label a year ago. Now, it has become the hottest thing to have and I totally see why. The lineage of this cult brand is just impeccable! Read more about it, here.