New from Sperry x Milly + More!

This is my current favorite pair of Sperry Top-siders. I like how it can blend in, but can still make my shorts and striped shirt lazy uniform a tad more interesting. I picked it up at Sperry Top-siders' latest outpost in SM Aura, which is currently their largest store ever.

Of course, it's not just any ordinary pair of Sperrys, it's from the latest Sperry x Milly collection and as with the last, it appeals to the Preppy Princess in all of us. You know, wholesome, classic, a little bit prissy. In a good way, of course.

the signature "M" charm

a quintessential Milly floral print

Why this collection resonates with me is the fact that Sperry’s classic boat shoe gets the Milly touch.

The boat shoes come in Milly's signature floral and bright confetti prints, or in rich, vibrant solid colors like bright pink, green and neon orange.

The collection also features platform pumps, sneakers, and wedges with grosgrain laces. Just. too. cute. 

And as if it was hard enough to choose a pair from the Sperry x Milly collab, I got to take a good look at these classics, that come in UAAP school colors, also knows at the "College Pack". 

Makes me want to buy more, more, more. Like, If I could splurge, I'd want those navy, red and green one too. School loyalty be damned. Yeah. For the record, I went to UP, and no, I don't want the maroon ones. I think.

Oh, oh, oh. The Audrey Collection, a slimmer style of boat shoes for women, now comes in exotics.

Now, if only they had a version of the Sperry Gold Cup for women. This is like the top of the heap, A #1, highest end version of Sperrys. 

Made in the USA with super fine, stain & water resistant leather, 18k gold plated eyelets, genuine deerskin lining and memory foam insoles, it truly is the best of the best boat shoes ever.

 Of course, I am of the opinion that my Sperry x Milly is the best of the lot. Ahihihi.

Milly for Sperry Top-Sider 2013 collection is exclusively available at Sperry Top-Sider in SM Aura Premier (Level 2), Bonifacio High Street (B2), and Trinoma Mall (Level 2). 

Visit Sperry Top-Sider too at SM Mall of Asia (Entertainment Mall, Level 2), SM Southmall (Ground Floor), Glorietta 3 (Ground Floor), SM North Edsa The Block (Level 3), Robinsons Place Manila (Level 2), Harbor Point in Subic, Centrio Mall Cagayan De Oro, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Cebu Northwing (Ground Floor), and SM Lanang Premier Davao (Ground Floor).

Visit facebook.com/sperrytopsiderph and follow @SperryPH on Twitter & Instagram for constant updates!

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?

Preppy in Pink

Comme des Garcons x H&M top, Topshop trousers, Sperry Top-siders, pink Lifestrength band

This is what I wore when Berry's classmates came over our place for a house visit/field trip. Well ok, I technically wore slippers with this at home, but when I stepped out to run errands later, I changed into my silver Sperry Top-siders - as seen here with my favorite pair of Havaianas flip-flops.

My thought process when dressing up goes like this:

I want to wear this top! It's been over a month since I last wore this. Ok, still fits me, good!

Hmmm, but I don't want to wear shorts because I didn't shave my legs. Pants na lang. But which one? (I try on khaki trousers, but it's not working...)

Aha! I will wear my white pants! But now, what to wear this with? Nude flats look boring, black ballerinas are kinda off. (I open my shoe closet and my eyes zoom into my silver Sperrys. I slip it on. I look in the mirror.)

Woohoo! Perfect! (To me at least, hehe.)

Berry Sperry

Also just before Holy Week, Berry, Nana & I went to the Sperry Top-Sider concept store in Trinoma to pick up a new pair of Sperrys. My much loved navy & platinum pair has been used and abused so often and when Katrina of Sperry Top-Sider Philippines invited me to come and visit the store to get a new pair, it was the perfect time! I love my Sperrys, and I cannot imagine not having one in my wardrobe. Having a new pair to give the old one time to recuperate is simply a wonderful idea.

Berry had a grand time at the store too. When she saw this wall, she pretended to climb onto the sailboat. Funny that she was wearing this nautical outfit that day too!

And when she saw this pair of pink seersucker Sperrys...

She reached out and got the pink Sperrys, took off her Toms and tried it on for size...

She said, "Mommy, look!" and started walking towards me with this giant shoe on one foot. Looks like we have another Sperry fan in the making here!

Apart from the classic Sperry styles for ladies which I like, there are also these more feminine styles. The shape is daintier. There's even a loafer style on the far right... 

Of course, there are a host of choices for guys too. From flip flops, to slip ons as well as the original Sperrys. While I was in the store, most of the customers were women buying boat shoes for their husbands. I thought it was cute!

If you are looking for a pair of summer shoes, or boat shoes in particular, for yourself or the hubby/boyfriend/bro, I really recommend Sperrys. It's the original boat shoes after all!

Can you guess which pair I brought home? Tadaaaaa! The silver Authentic Originals that I've been wanting for years and years. It's finally mine. I have been wearing this pair with shorts and skirts and boyfriend jeans and they're the just prettiest, androgynous thing I've ever had. I am still kilig to this day. =)

Sperry Concept Shop:
Sperry Top-Sider
2nd Level Trinoma
Quezon City

Sperry Stockists:
Complex Lifestyle Store (Eastwood Mall & Ayala Center Cebu)
Rustan's
Shoe Salon
Hide Out (Greenbelt 5)

Band Of Outsiders x Sperry Top-Sider At Secret Fresh

Here's one more great reason to visit Ronac Art Center today, February 4!

Our guys now have the chance to get a taste of the runway action (of the Band of Outsiders variety) courtesy of Sperry Top-Sider. Today, Sperry released a fresh new batch of boat shoes designed by Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders, available exclusively in Manila at Secret Fresh, Ronac Art Center.

But before I show you my picks from the line-up, here are some outfit ideas for da boys straight out of the Band of Outsiders season presentations/runway shows!

From S/S 2010

From S/S 2011

From F/W 2011

From S/S 2012

See, even Scott himself wears Sperrys!

How versatile diba? With these pegs as inspiration, here's the latest Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider collection that features a variety of classic boat shoe styles featuring suede and wool materials. Check this out, yo!

Pretty cool diba? The Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider Collection is exclusively available in Secret Fresh at Ronac Art Center, starting NOW na!

As someone who personally wears Sperry Top-Siders, I am telling you, I can vouch for this, the man/men in your life (dad, bro, beau) will thank you if you get a pair or two of these for them! So comfy and goes with everything! Now if only Scott will come out with a Sperry x Boy or Girl by Band of Outsiders line! For the girls flease!

The full Sperry Top-Sider line is available at the Sperry Top-Sider store in Trinoma mall. Sperry Top-Sider is also available in Shoe Salon, HideOut in Greenbelt 5, Complex Lifestyle Stores in Eastwood Mall, Ayala Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Rustans and select department stores. 

Visit facebook.com/sperrytopsiderph for constant updates!

Sperry Top-Sider Now in The Philippines!

Eeep! I can't wait to share with all of you that Sperry Top-Sider is now in the Philippines!

I often get asked where I bought my pair, and I had to regretfully say I bought mine in the US.

But! Not anymore! The men's and women's collections are now at Complex Lifestyle Store (Eastwood Mall and Ayala Center Cebu) and are also available at select Shoe Salon outlets.

Here's a sneak peek (because they come in a variety of colors too!) of styles you can choose from! For the ladies, let me start with my top pick:

Ugh! Silver Sperry Top-siders! (Women's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe)
Is this love? Or is this love?

Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe

Women's Bluefish 2-Eye Boat Shoe

Women's Bahama

Women's Montauk Slip-on

Women's Bahama

And guys, you'd be pleased to know that there are a lot more styles, also in various colors for you, these are just but a few:

Men's Authentic Original Boat Shoe

Men's Authentic Original Loafer Penny

Men's Mako 2-Eye Canoe Moc Boat Shoe

Men's ASV Billfish

And hey, this one is cute with rolled up khakis, promise!

Men's Authentic Original Chukka

If your wardrobe has been in need of a much needed boost, I think Sperry is the answer. When I am too lazy to think of an outfit, I just put on a pair of shorts and Sperry's and for some reason, I feel instantly stylish. Maybe because Sperrys give off that nautical prep, Cape Cod sort of vibe, like I studied in the East Coast and go sailing on the weekends, heehee!

Oh and I especially love wearing them on rainy days, when I don't want to get my daintier shoes and sandals wet. They are boat shoes, the original ones at that, after all.