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

Say Hello to Seychelles!

"Seychelles? Isn't that a country? A tax haven? Dada asked when he saw me looking through the launch photos that Pia Miranda sent me.

Well, he's right. But there's more to Seychelles than being a tax-evader's paradise. It's the kind us girls can relate to, because OMG, Seychelles is about cute shoes!!!

It was Anj Dinglasan aka Donya Zenutrients who clued me in, when she told me that this hip, vintage-inspired shoe line from LA was coming to Manila. She introduced me to the ladies responsible for bringing Seychelles to Manila, Pia Miranda & Casey Marty a few months ago and it was such a thrill to get first dibs on the shoes, along with their family & friends.

Casey & Pia invited us to the Seychelles pop-up at Itsie-Bitsie, and that was a lot of fun too!

Casey had told me that she had been a long time fan of Seychelles, back when she was living in NYC, where walking around a lot requires comfortable, but still stylish, shoes. 

When she moved back to Manila, she wanted to do something else apart from her consulting job and so with the help of her friend and partner Pia, who is still based in New York, they contacted Seychelles and the rest, as they say, is history!

Pia Barrios Miranda & Casey Kierulf Marty of Seychelles Philippines

Just look at the adorableness! I am not a colorful shoe kind of girl, but I just can't help but oooh at the prettiness of their flats, T-strap wedges, chunky funky platform heels, classic Mary Janes and ankle-strap heels.

Candy Reyes-Alipio did a fantastic job with the merchandising, making it so much more fun to shop for shoes.

The launch of the Seychelles pop-up was supported by Pia & Casey's friends and family, and attracted just about every girl who appreciates comfort, quality and style! Many of us went to Itsie-Bitsie wearing the Seychelles we pre-shopped! Heehee.

Finina Tugade wearing Thyme and Angela Dinglasan wearing her Seychelles

Moi, wearing my Sage in black, with Karrots & Jackie 

Michelle Santos Lim, Cricket Querubin, Pia Anya Santos, Mariel San Agustin, Isabel Garcia, & Krie Lopez

Tata Mapa, Agoo Bengzon, Pia & Casey, and Pierra Labrador wearing her Trip the Light Fantastic

I first heard of Seychelles from my friends Rissa Chan & Cris Lagdameo who also lived in NYC, and who swear by it, and my sister Trina who has been buying her pairs from Anthropologie from years ago and I don't know what took me so long to get into it. 

My Sage sandals truly are so comfortable, and I wear my pair with anything and everything. Thankfully, Seychelles is here in the Philippines and whenever I need another pair, it's just a skip and a click away.

In the Philippines, Seychelles is available at:

www.seychellesph.com (coming soon!)
www.seektheuniq.com

Itsie Bitsie Boutique
119 Joya Lofts and Towers
Joya Drive, Rockwell Center
Makati City

For wholesale, press and retail inquiries, please contact sey@martymiranda.com or text/call +63917 814 6681.

For updates, Like Seychelles Philippines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeychellesPH and follow @seychellesPH on Twitter & Instagram.

Itsie Bitsie End of Season Sale S/S 2013

I always enjoy browsing at Itsie-Bitsie. The clothes and accessories, down to the Sun Bum Gorilla bottles have a very resort/gypset feel to them. That is why I suggest you check out the Spring 2013 End of Season Sale because the likes of Joie, Velvet, Milly, Antik Batik and Jack Rogers and so much more will be marked down to smithereens.

Visit Itsie-Bitsie from June 12 to 28, 2013 and get 40%-70% on their Spring 2013 Collection.

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

Summer in Naked Sun

The summer heat is so oppressive it makes me wish we lived by the beach, or some place cold, like Alaska even. The upside of summer though? We can wear easy breezy clothes and swim suits all day everyday! While I love dressing up for Fall, with all the light layering involved, resort is probably my next favorite season in fashion.   

While I am too conscious to pose for a photo in a swimsuit, more so a bikini, I love swimwear! From South American brands like OndadeMar to Palm Beach-y Lilly Pulitzer to Target finds, when I spy a swimsuit that fits great, looks good on me and best of all is priced reasonably, then its a buy! 

Admittedly, I haven't really worn local swimwear labels until I stumbled upon Naked Sun, thanks to the invitation of Andrea See. We set a date to meet up at Itsie-Bitsie in Rockwell, where Naked Sun is sold, and I was blown away by the quality and the designs! While materials are sourced abroad, everything is made here in the Philippines!

Berry with Abi Tan-Puno and Andrea See of Naked Sun at Itsie-Bitsie

Created by friends Andrea Y. See, Abi Tan-Puno and Caryll Martinez-Benitez in 2007, Naked Sun is the vibrant expression of an easy, elegant lifestyle of sun, sea, and city and takes inspiration from our gorgeous waters and lush tropics.

Andrea tells me Naked Sun is anchored on similar style values like mine: quality, classics, modern yet not trendy, effortless (in Andrea's own words, "meaning no such thing as tiis ganda, or sacrificing comfort over appearance"). While the designs look absolutely great on hot young bodies ahihi, they are also mommy friendly too! Like myself, Abi and Caryll are moms who want to look good in swimsuits, but want something that can hide stretchmarks and such (check out the one piece Del Mar, it's love). They are made to fit well, so no worries about saggy bottoms, soggy breast pads, protruding nipples (haha) and such.

Berry with my bag of summer swim suits from Naked Sun, heehee

Their Summer 2013 Collection is a testament to their philosophy of "well-made classics done with a decidedly modern, sophisticated mind". Check these out, I swear it's hard to choose just one. Thankfully, the price of a Naked Sun bikini starts at Php1,950 so you can buy two or even more in one go:

Terra (Php1,950) bottom has a gathered fold-over waistband and 1-sided ties

Lapiz (Php1,950)

Origami (Php1,950)

Del Sol (Php1,950)

Mariner (Php2,150)

Joya (Php1,950)

Del Mar (Php2,050)

Luz (Php2,050)

Mosaic (Php1,950) comes with a bottom with sidebands

I really promise you, the quality of the pieces from Naked Sun are impeccable. Its like buying from imported brands - fantastic designs, high-quality materials, great fit and construction. Except these are half the price and proudly made in the Philippines. All the more reason to love!

Naked Sun is available online via thenakedsun.multiply.com, and in the following retail outlets: Itsie-Bitsie Boutique in Rockwell, Certified Calm at Two Parkade (Bonficatio Global City), Certified Calm at Shangri-la Plaza, Discovery Shores Boracay Resort Boutique, Island Girl in D’Mall Boracay, A Piece of Green in D’Mall Boracay, and Luxe by the Beach in Singapore.

Itsie-Bitsie 12th Anniversary Sale

Itsie-Bitsie's 12th Anniversary happens this month and as a special promo, they are giving 5% OFF on regular items for all Fridays of the month! Details here:

Now you know where to go on a Friday! ;)

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

The Itsie-Bitsie Shopping Spree + Fall Collection

When you shop at Itsie-Bitsie beginning August 17 up until September 16, you get a chance to win a shopping spree worth Php20,000 at this thoughtfully curated boutique! Every Php5,000 purchase entitles clients to a raffle stub. More details on the promotion here:

While at it, might as well browse through their Fall arrivals. Because guess what! Itsie-Bitsie will be bringing in K. Jacques (one of my favorite shoe brands, super chic and a guaranteed classic!)...

...as well as pieces from gypset fave Antik Batik and the casual cool label Elizabeth & James! I have three words for you - Must.Drop.By.

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

Itsie-Bitsie Clearance Sale!

Hot deals are up this July as Itsie-bitsie Boutique brings you its much awaited CLEARANCE SALE!

All your must have pieces from exceptional brands such as Elie Tahari, Shoshanna, Graham and Spencer, Joie and so much more at low, low prices! 

Visit Itsie-Bitsie from now to July 22, 2012 and avail of discounts from 45%-90% on their exclusive and well-chosen collection. 

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

Itsie-Bitsie's End of Season Sale

Ladies! Spring sale at Itsie-Bitsie started June 8 and ends on June 29, 2012! Sale prices up to 50% OFF! ;)

Itsie-Bitsie's Spring 2012 Trend Forecast

More than just new arrivals, new brands are launching at Itsie-Bitsie Rockwell! Look out for Pink Chicken, Vanessa Mooney, and my personal fave - Gryphon New York!

Three Dots Promo

Get 55% off for every SS Crew T-shirt purchase at Itsie-Bitsie! Sale ends this Sunday, November 27!

Violet Vine Trunk Show at Itsie-Bitsie

Calendar this! November 17, from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Check out the exclusive launch of Violet Vine by Anne Marie Saguil at Itsie-Bitsie Rockwell.

All Out by Itsie-Bitsie

Love clearance shopping? Here's one you can do in the comfort of your own home!

Itsie-bitsie Boutique has put up a section for their sale items on their website, where everything is priced to go! And because its online, your purchases will be delivered straight to your home! Or the office. Or a friend's home, if you want to shop on the sly, haha!

Check out ALL OUT by Itsie-Bitsie, HERE!