Meet Elin

When Martina Pangilinan of Catalogue63 invited me to the launch of their new clothing line Elin, she sent along a photo of this dress and I couldn't say no. Well, that and of course because it has been over a year since I last saw her, way back when we were still living in Singapore and I thought it would be nice to see Martina here finally.

Along with Marielle of CraftMNL, Martina and her business partner and friend from grade school, Kathleen King (Pat Pastelero, the third of the Catalogue63 triumvirate was in South Africa) had prepared a fun crafty afternoon for us, where we made bracelets out of scrap fabric...

 

...and badass shredded shirts perfect for moshing in the mosh pit (uso pa ba yan kids?) or worn as a cover-up over a bikini.  

Martina and Kathleen shared with us that just like And Apparel, the current in-house brand of Catalogue 63, Elin also is about comfort and ease, but it has evolved to become more polished and extensive, and includes dressier pieces, basic tees and maternity wear.

“We named our new brand Elin because we wanted a woman’s name that was simple and straightforward,” said Martina. “We also think Elin is a feminine name that’s not too girly, just like our clothes. Our hope is that our customers who love And Apparel will love Elin even more.”

Judging from these pieces seen on their lookbook, Elin is easy to love.

I wore my Elin t-shirt above the other day (excuse the boots, I had just come from the stables. Joke!) and it was just the comfiest thing! The fabric was so soft and cool to the skin, it has uniform potential written all over it.

Catalogue 63 is the brainchild of three childhood friends, Martina Pangilinan, Pat Pastelero and Kathleen King who go way back since their grade school days. Their love for clothes and their desire to bring together the best of Filipino labels and provide an online shopping platform for these brands prompted them to put up Catalogue63. And Apparel and Elin are their own brands borne out of their need for stylish basics, made from quality fabrics.

Elin is exclusively available on www.elin.ph and www.catalogue63.com

New & on SALE at Catalogue63

Martina of Catalogue63 tells me they have new pieces in store, and will be adding more as Christmas draws near. So I added a tab on my browser, headed off to Catalogue63 and found plenty of items perfect for everyday wear! And sige na nga, holiday gifting for family and friends din! Heehee!

Like that maxi skirt would be nice for my sister Dianne, for weekends and especially when she travels. Comfy and yet not sloppy. The top would be perfect for my sister Trina, it can go with trousers for work on weekdays, and may be worn with shorts or jeans on weekends. The pencil skirt would look cute on our youngest, Nicole, work appropriate with pointy flats and a long cardigan.

Martina says a lot of their  items are free size, so perfect as gifts, especially if you are not too sure of the sizes. Plus, who wants to receive clothing with an XL tag no?

Because I love sales and buying stuff at a bargain, I checked out the sale section too and found pretty tops from And Apparel for less than Php500. Winner! Pag ako nagsuot ng mga ito, mukhang Php5000 na yan. Chozzzz!

Current Obsession: Isabel Marant Betty

There's a hidden grunge girl inside me. And it comes out when I wear my Isabel Marant Bettys: 

H&M plaid tunic, H&M jeggings, Isabel Marant Betty sneakers 

But this is my current uniform of the moment: a slouchy tee, skinny jeans and my Bettys:

Daley tee from Catalogue63, J Brand skinnies with zips, Isabel Marant Betty

T by Alexander Wang, J Brand 910, Isabel Marant Betty

I first blogged about Isabel Marant's sneakers here. I admit I was smitten when I first saw it in her Greene St. boutique back in 2010. But wedge sneakers? I thought it was just going to be a passing fancy. A trendy item not worth "investing" in. But well, 2 years later and it's been reincarnated in so many color combinations. The style has become a cult piece, it has inspired a myriad of copycats and knock-offs. 

I also like the cut-out ones by Margiela. But I think, one high-top wedge sneaker in my closet is enough.

Summer at Catalogue63

Have you checked out Catalogue63 lately? Catalogue63.com’s in-house brand And Apparel recently launched its Summer 2012 Collection featuring dresses, tops and bottoms that are easy and ultra-flattering, and tropical weather appropriate - be it rain or shine.

All easy, breezy pieces that you can wear alone when the sun is at its peak, or worn under your favorite jacket or rain coat.

To see the complete collection, please visit www.catalogue63.com or like Catalogue 63 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/catalogue63.

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!

And The Winners of Catalogue63's Giveaway Are...

Parker tee in black - NINA MORFE

Square tee in white - JO CRISOSTOMO REYES

Boxy tee in gray stripe - MA. CECILIA LI

Congratulatons ladies, your names were randomly picked out by the ladies of Catalogue63! Catalogue63 will contact you via FB/Twitter to arrange the shipment of your prize to you!

Catalogue63's And Apparel Tees Giveaway!

Parker tee in black

Square tee in white

Boxy tee in gray stripe

The T-shirt is a wardrobe staple that we all should have piles of in our closets. It's the perfect thing to throw around when you really don't want to think about what to wear. It can be dressed up with a sequin skirt, or worn the way it was meant to be, as a basic piece paired with shorts, leggings or jeans during lazy days.

Of course, t-shirts acquire an edge of its own when they don't look like the typical basic tee, like And Apparel's drapey, edgy pieces! Best of all, Catalogue63 is giving away 3 tees to 3 MFO readers! All you have to do is:

1) Choose which one of the 3 shirts above you would like to win

2) Like Catalogue 63 on Facebook

3) On the picture of the shirt you like from THIS ALBUM, leave a comment sharing what you like about the shirt. This equals one entry.

4) Follow @catalogue63 on Twitter for an additional entry and tweet @Catalogue63 which shirt you would like to win. Facebook like + following @Catalogue63 on Twitter = 2 entries (Contestants must like Catalogue63 on FB, not just follow them on Twitter, to be eligible to win)

5) Promo ends at 9 pm of January 25, the last day of the giveaway period

6) Three winners will be picked randomly (raffle) – one winner for each shirt

7) Winners will be announced through MFO a day or 2 days after the end of the giveaway period

8) Catalogue 63 contact the winners through FB and Twitter after they are announced to arrange shipment of their prize to them

NOTE: Winners must be based in the Philippines.

From Click to Brick: Catalogue63 Showroom

Here's a special shopping treat. If you want to shop away from the maddening crowds in malls and bazaars, then make an appointment to shop Catalogue63's showroom in The Fort!

The complete Catalogue 63 collection is in full view at their Bonifacio Global City (The Fort) showroom this holiday season. All the merchandise online will be available here.

They will be open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 1PM to 7PM by appointment only.

If you'd like to schedule a personal shopping experience with Catalogue63, send an email to Martina at mgomez@catalogue63.com, SMS them at 0915-3256953 or give them a call at 02-2114267.

Grab Your Grubbies

You know how sometimes when you go out to run errands you belatedly realize you should have worn something more comfortable? Maybe your skinny jeans weren't meant for the warm weather, or that your silk top wasn't exactly the best thing to wear on a rainy day?

Of course, that's the risk we run if we don't want to wear shorts, sweatpants and old tees when doing groceries or picking up the kids from school. Thankfully, Mavis Manotoc-Fuentebella of Tala Manila, thought of Grubbies - "a clothing line for active women who need durable clothes that they can move in comfortably all day, under humid heat or pouring rain". 

Grubbies come in bright colors, in fabrics like jersey, dri-fit, French terry, and pique. Perfect for dashing in and out of the salon, the bank, the mall and with the dri-fit pieces, straight to the gym! What's best, Grubbies are proudly Filipino made, with tops priced between P550-P750 and dresses at P990 to P1,200.

Grubbies is now available at Catalogue 63 with a pop-up store coming up in Salcedo Village this November 18-19. Here are the details:

WHEN: This Friday- Saturday, Nov 18-19
TIME: 9am-6pm
WHERE: Ground Floor Unit 103, Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas St. Salcedo Village, Makati City (across Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf)

Daley at Catalogue63

I have been meaning to share Daley with you (I actually discovered them in Catalogue63 a few months back), but good thing I waited a bit, because now they have this button down sleeveless slinky shirt in a gorgeous shade of camel.

I just love how they drape so nicely, it just has an effortless ease to it. Very T by Alexander Wang. The best part of these shirts? They are so well priced! Prices start at Php650 for tanks and tees and go up to Php850 for the button front shirt.

Daley was started by Marga Nazareno and Andrew Villanueva and you'll learn more about them soon! In the meantime, get to know Daley shirts, available at the Daley boutique in Catalogue63!

Catalogue63 at The Grove by Rockwell

Oh wow! This is like a get-together of all my favorite people and their "projects" - my new friend Martina's Catalogue63, my college buddy Angela's Vestito and my old friend (as in we've known each other over half our lives) Ivy's Urban Ashram!

The Grove by Rockwell and online retailer Catalogue 63 is inviting you and your family and friends to “A Style and Wellness Event” on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2011 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at The Grove Community Center on C5, Pasig City. The event will highlight the launch of Grubbies on Catalogue 63 and introduce other new brands available - Bonne, Lulu, Pazzy Navarro, Vestito, and m&m by Matthew & Melka.

The weekend event will also feature free yoga classes by popular fitness centers and studios Beyond Yoga, Crossfit Manila, and Urban Ashram.

“We believe that inner wellbeing goes hand in hand with outer appearance. Simply put, if you don’t feel good, you won’t look good. The launch of Grubbies, the perfect post-workout wear, on Catalogue 63 gives us the perfect opportunity to advocate health and wellbeing through this exciting event”, said Martina Gomez, marketing manager of Catalogue 63.

Here's what I have to say, "Be there or be square!"If you see Martina, Angela and Ivy there, tell them I said hello!

Catalogue 63 Trunk Show: Borough, The Podium

WHAT: Online retailer Catalogue 63's trunk show
WHEN: Sunday, August 14, 11 am to 8 pm
WHERE: Borough, The Podium, Mandaluyong City

The trunk show will also serve as the official launch of the latest Catalogue 63 partner brands – Two Chic, Vanilla Label, MCV Designs and Caleigh Madison.

Martina Gomez, Catalogue 63's Marketing Manager shares, “We’re excited to announce our latest partners. Catalogue 63’s newest brands are the perfect additions to our site. They all have the clean, chic and stylish aesthetic we love."

Two Chic is a contemporary clothing line for women that focuses on well-made pieces and design details. Vanilla Label’s pieces combine modern lifestyle dressing with the spirit and sophistication of high fashion. Bag labels MCV Designs and Caleigh Madison both create stylish yet affordable bags in various materials such as snakeskin and faux leather.

The Catalogue 63 Trunk Show will also feature clothes, bags and accessories from And Apparel, Amaranta, Celline, Cintura Belts, Daley (their slouchy shirts look like love! I can't wait to wear the ones I bought from Catalogue 63's site!), Shiq Bags, Sienna, Sinta Shoes, and Vel.

Special giveaways await customers. Admission is free.

For more info, visit their online shopping site www.catalogue63.com or you may also direct questions to marketing@catalogue63.com or call 433-6918.

Catalogue 63 Trunk Show

You are all invited by Martina of Catalogue 63 – an online shopping site that proudly carries Philippine brands and locally made products to:

WHAT:  Catalogue 63's first Trunk Show

WHEN: June 25 and 26, 2011
TIME: 11 am to 7 pm

WHERE: Metropolitan Club in Makati City

What could be one of the Philippine's well-edited online sites, Catalogue 63 carries online faves Renegade Folk and Tala Manila, as well as your soon to be faves like Amaranta, Vel, Sienna, Daley and Celline. 

Prices range anywhere from Php195 for a bracelet to Php2200 for a dress thereabouts, and  it doesn't take a lot of sifting to see the gems they have in store. I think they have the perfect pieces if you are looking for well-chosen gifts for a hard to please sister or friend and you have no plans of breaking the bank. They stock everything from slouchy tees & breezy maxi skirts  to both understated & statement accessories.

I am sharing with you my top picks, and as you can see, I found a lot. These are really just a taste of the sort of stuff you'll find online, and of course, at the Trunk Show.

 Both these baubles from Amaranta will look great dressed down with a plain black t-shirt and 

dressed up with a little black dress.

 Exotic snakeskin wrapped around your wrist takes a laidback outfit to a whole new level. 

Simple, chic & luxurious at a price that can't be beat!

Reminds me of TKEES with its thin sexy straps. It's the sort of grown up flip flops that won't look silly in an urban setting. Wear it to the nail salon, so you can show off your pretty polish right away.

I am feeling bad for spending dough on Alexander Wang shirts when I was pregnant with Berry. These tees from Daley look and drape exactly like the ones I have. I swear, stock up on these instead.

O.M.G. I am obsessed with Equipment and Madewell silk shirts and 

these pieces from Celline easily give off the same casual yet elegant vibe.

I mean, seriously. If you are into the model off-duty type of style ala Erin Wasson and Alexa Chung, and your working with a shopping budget that is more typical Pinay than Pivarova, please peruse Catalogue 63's online catalog. 

Then, make a beeline for the Trunk Show on the 25th & 26th. I think, you're gonna love it!