Messy Bessy: From H.O.U.S.E to Your House and Back

We all know Messy Bessy takes cleaning seriously. But did you know that at the heart of Messy Bessy is helping disadvantaged young adults get a second chance in life through Project H.OU.S.E? 

There really is plenty of good reason why we should Choose Messy Bessy. It's a No-Brainer!

Chrysara Nest Private Sale

I always make it a point to go to the Chrysara booth everytime Manila FAME comes around. So, it is with glee that I share with you Chrysara NEST, Chrysara's very first retail store, a flagship one at that! 

Chrysara NEST is inside Angeles Industrial Park in Calibutbut, Bacolor, Pampanga. It is worth the drive to the north I assure you. Especially because there's a 2 day Private Sale (you my dear readers are invited of course!) happening this Friday and Saturday, July 26 to 27, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

 

Print out this map so that you don't get lost on your way there!

 

I am excited to see what treasures Chrysara NEST beholds. As Rhea Dumdum Bautista says, make sure you have lots of room in your trunk when you go!

PS - have you read about designer Joseph Altuzarra's inspiration from Chrysara?

via The NY Times

Chrysara has been exporting their home items for 30 years now to the US, Europe and Australia, and at high-end stores such as Wisteria (wisteria.com) and Ballard Designs (ballarddesigns.com). Many of their local customers have been requesting that they open a store, the clamor so strong, that they finally opened this year! Don't miss it! Bring your family and friends!

Chrysara NEST

Phone: (02) 246 8347
Email: chrysara@chrysara.com
Website: http://www.chrysara.com

Aranaz Delujo 2013

De lujo means deluxe in Spanish and that's exactly what Aranaz Delujo, the luxe line that Amina Aranaz-Alunan started in 2011, is all about. Take for instance this pulpo called Octopia. This is the only octopus I know fit to be worn on a donya's wrist:

My friend Kris asked me if Delujo means maluho. Well, lujo in Spanish or luho in Tagalog means luxury, as in, "Hija, don't be maluho because the boys might think you're high maintainance". But I am happy to share that Aranaz Delujo is not exorbitantly priced at all. Given the materials and craftsmanship involved in making Amina's gorgeous minaudières and cuffs, and the fact that we are supporting Filipino artisans by buying these pieces, it's a small price to pay. 

I fell in love with the Corallo which sells for about Php18,500. It is a work of art in itself.

The shell clasp is just precious:

I ended up getting the Sampaguita, a wooden minaudière that is so delicately pretty, yet can withstand years of use. I love how this can go from day to night too.

When Aranaz Delujo first launched in 2011, Amina showed how the lowly coconut shell could be elevated into something luxe, even an object of desire. For 2013, she took the idea a step further by dyeing the shells in different hues and using gold-dipped gilded clasps with colored stones.

According to Amina, "The ARANAZ DELUJO line is an outlet to indulge in our creative fantasies. Each piece is a product of our dreams. Combining master craftsmanship with the most exquisite raw materials and handmade techniques."

Apart from a a range of coconut shell purses, there were also studded shell, snakeskin and brass minaudières. Some with complementary cuffs to match.

Let me point out that in true luxe fashion, the inside of the Raya is lined in soft suede.

It was truly a treat to be invited to the special preview of Aranaz Delujo 2013 and the pre-selling affair at Vask was the perfect time to place an order before the line hits the stores this coming July.

I left with this fantastic brass lily cuff from Amina (worn next to an Aranaz lobster claw cuff and Vita Fede mock croc leather bangle) and the anticipation that I will get my Sampaguita minaudière sooner than most. 

Aranaz Delujo will hit stores by July 19, 2013.