Christmas 2014 Gift Guide: Vanità Lingerie

a sweet, lacy and very comfy underthing from Vanità

For me at least, there's something intimidating about going inside a lingerie store.

Maybe it's the Catholic school girl in me. I'm more comfortable buying underwear in a department store, and lacy underthings at Anthropologie, Aritzia, Urban Outfitters or Madewell. 

So when I would pass by lingerie store Vanità at the 5/F in the East Wing of Shangri-la Mall, I never even bother to come close. It looks so grown up, womanly, and yes, I'll say it, sexy.

Because it is, it truly is.

But then I realized, why fear a good thing?

The good, no, great thing about Vanità is that it's the kind of place where sexy meets comfy. Tanya Chua of Vanita sent me a couple of pieces to try out, and I have to say there was nothing raunchy, more importantly, itchy about their lingerie.

This is because Vanità offers a range of handmade pieces made from luxurious fabrics - the softest satin and pizzo leavers lace, the highest quality lace in the world. Each piece is designed and made by combining Italian mastery, European systems, Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge designs.

From waist-cinching corsets to lingerie sets in sheer lace, to resort wear, each piece is meant to flatter a woman’s body. It's not just about seduction, it's also about feeling good in something that even only you can see.

The woman behind Vanità lingerie is the Italian born Fabiola Marin. Fabiola studied fashion design at the Instituto Marangoni Fashion and Design school in Milan. A sought after designer for the top lingerie brands in the world, she also led a stellar career as Senior Design Manager of the Intimissimi Group, establishing the Intimissimi brand in 1996. To date there are over 10,000 Intimissimi shops in close to 20 shops worldwide. For us here in the Philippines, we've got Vanità.

So if you're like me, maybe it's time to frequently step into their store. Pick up a gift for yourself, or your girl friends this Christmas. Guys, if you are reading this, take the initiative! And you don't even have to wait until Christmas, it's perfect any time of year.

Because in reality, even if she would never admit it, a girl can never have enough of pretty and comfy lingerie.

For updates and inquiries, Like Vanità Lingerie on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Vanitashangrila

Vanita
5/F Shangri-la East Wing

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila

Fun, Cute Find: Heart and Bolt Jewelry

Heart and Bolt's Primadonna Php 950 and Morse code bracelet Php550-950 

For Mother's Day, I received some delicate, super cute jewelry from Heart and Bolt.

I love them so much, that I've worn a piece, or three every single day since I got them.

They remind me of Catbird Jewelry, sweet, stackable and makes a subtle statemement.

Except that Heart and Bolt is a homegrown brand, created and designed by Yendy Yu. The pieces are either made from 14 k gold filled non tarnish components, or sterling silver dipped in gold (vermeil), and because it's Manila-based, much more accessible and affordable. 

You can really afford to pile them on, like so:

Or choose to wear a few pieces at time, with your favorite watch. Either way, they're equally stylish.

Here's showing you a few of the designs that Yendy has come up with, check out her Instagram, heartandbolt and Like the Heart and Bolt Facebook page to see more!

Infinity & Primadonna bracelets, Anchor, Initial and wishbone pendants (wishbone is Php1,850)

moon & star necklace

barre bracelet, ballsy ring, horseshoe necklace, evil eye sapphire bracelet

evil eye bracelets

cute packaging - craft paper boxes with black grosgrain ribbon

Before you go grab yourself a stack of Heart and Bolt bracelets and necklaces, I'd like to leave you with Yendy's tips on how to properly care for and clean your gold filled and vermeil jewelry:

About Gold Filled jewelry:

• Gold filled is an actual layer of gold-pressure bonded to another metal.
• Gold filled is not to be confused with gold plating as filled literally has 100% more gold than gold plating. Gold filled is much more valuable and tarnish resistant. It does not flake off, rub off or turn colors. As a matter of fact, anyone who can wear gold can wear gold filled without worries of any allergic reaction to the jewelry
• Gold filled jewelry is an economical alternative to solid gold!

About Vermeil jewelry:

• Vermeil is an overlay of 14kt gold on sterling silver.
• This ensures a quality metal as opposed to base metals under your gold.

Caring for Gold filled and Vermeil jewelry:

• The most important tool against tarnish is preventative care.
• Keep your jewelry in an air-tight bag with an anti-tarnish strip or an air-tight jewelry box. 
• Filled and vermeil jewelry is sensitive to scratching and cleaning, so if you need to polish your jewelry, use only a dry and soft clean cloth. 
• Do not use a silver polishing cloth as it will remove the 14kt overlay from the silver. For severe tarnish or cleaning, you can use a gold polishing cloth lightly, but repeated or excessive use will ruin the surface of the jewelry.

Original Penguin x Pepsi: Live for Now

In a global first, Original Penguin and Pepsi have collaborated in creating a capsule collection, Live for Now. 

For the Manila launch, Original Penguin has put together today’s local talents, who are the movers and shakers of the generation, to bring to life the design and character of the collection. 

Gathering some of today’s most renowned and admired personalities in their respective fields, the event was graced by Tweetie De Leon, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Maxene Magalona, Maggie Wilson, Kelly Misa, JM Rodriquez, Victor Basa, RJ Ledesma, PBA Players Christ Tiu and Gabe Norwood, and Team Azkal’s Simon Greatwich, Carlie de Murga and Antonio de Murga. 

The festive affair showcased the exhibit of the eclectic designs of the six street artists who evidently did not hold back in making the collection lively, youthful and nonetheless original. The collection is a party all on its own, guests were enveloped in decorative colors and playful thematic set up, in which showcased how every piece in the collection is truly a work of art. 

It was an awesome night to say the least, the fashion show being the highlight of the event, captured everyone’s attention with the parade of colorful fashion pieces on your not-so typical set up of a ramp. 

Between breaks during the fashion show were the breathtaking stunts of the “Futkaleros".

For sure, there was no dull moment, no corner unturned and all were enjoying the energy emanating from the collection that is truly a breath of fresh air from today’s common trends. 

The Original Penguin x Pepsi Collection is available at the following stores: Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma, Alabang Town Center, MarQuee Mall and Ayala Center Cebu

H&M in Manila, Very Very Soon!

Now it can be told!

Sometime back in December of last year, just a few days after H&M officially announced their entry to the Philippines, I got an email from Amirul Shah and Lisa Chai of H&M Singapore, telling me they had been wanting to talk to me, because they were looking for PR agency recommendations here in Manila. 

I had met Lisa years ago in Singapore, when I covered the H&M Singapore opening for The Radar in The Philippine Star and we soon reconnected via phone where she confirmed that H&M really was coming to Manila! OMG.

It was one thing reading it on a press release, and another hearing it straight from the source. I had waited years for this, and it was truly, finally, finally happening! 

The excitement continued to build up when I found that a friend of mine from high school, Gigi Mathay, was in charge of HR for H&M Manila and was keeping us all updated and entertained with her H&M training adventures on Facebook.

Fast forward to yesterday, and I finally got to see the H&M Manila showroom. 

I am also happy to share that Lisa chose well from the list of PR agencies and contacts I shared with her because well, apart from the fact that my list was carefully handpicked with only the names of the ones I have worked with and/or I know will not disappoint, she chose Bridges, one of my personal faves, because they are always the nicest! PR peeps, it pays to be nice to MFO. Just kidding. Hahaha.

And with my little role out of the way, haha, here's a sneak peek of what to expect when the store opens very soon, sometime during the 3Q of 2014. I am guessing that's by August at the earliest. Fingers crossed.

patent leather mules, very on trend

delicate slip dresses, sheer tops, knits, faux fur

a matte chain necklace, which also comes in a glossy taupe/gray

crystal flowers on grosgrain

ultra strappy sandals

real cashmere

silk crepe, chiffon, sequins, leopard spots

crystal embellished top

cropped poodle sweatshirt

sequin top

a bright knit

faux leather shorts, influenced probably by the Alexander Wang for H&M line (worldwide drop is in November, and yes, it will be launched here too!)

slip on sneakers in python and mock croc

priced at a fraction of my Celine skates, not bad!

The H&M Manila flagship, a 3,000 square meter store which dedicated followers of fashion and retail know will be at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, will be a full concept store and will carry everything from the kids line to men, women and teens. Sadly, there will be no home section. For that, you'll need to get that from Europe or the US for your fix for now. Hee.

footwear for kids

cute cat leggings for kids

not your usual sweatpants, it's for men, but I want this for myself

nylon bomber jacket, mesh, leather, wool blended shirts for men

boat shoes in tweed, camo slip ons

I missed Lisa  who was in town, and Gigi who was just back from H&M China at the H&M Open House, as they were inside, working at the office, but it was a treat to see another friend, Chef Florabel Yatco who catered the event. I enjoyed her salted caramel tartlet...

...and I wished I could down these mojitos, but had a glass of refreshing dalandan juice instead, which was just as perfect.

But here's the better treat. Prices will not be too far off from pricing in other markets. As with all H&M markets, there are great deals to be had. This slip dress for instance, according to H&M Showroom Manager Nikki Verzo, will retail for just Php899. Imagine that!

H&M will surely rock our local retail scene. And with this taste of what's to come, will only make us wait with bated breath when it finally opens in just a few months time. Exciting!

The H&M Philippines flagship store will be occupying three floors insde Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, and is slated to open Q3 of this year.

Get Curves

I do not have the discipline for exercise. Ningas cogon? That's me in ratty work out clothes. I will be like, gung ho the first month, and then, totally delinquent the next.

If there is one exercise I see myself doing regularly, it would be the Curves workout. Here's why:

1. Women only. Curves is especially focused on us women, and how our bodies respond to exercise and weight loss programs. Also, if you're the type to feel most comfortable in the company of other women, or you simply hate having to share equipment with sweaty, hairy guys, this is your kind of place.

2. No sugarcoating. This instrument is your frienemy. It measures your body fat and BMI. Before you start off at Curves, you are faced, if not slapped, by reality. Nothing will jolt you to the realization that you need to do something about your health stat than numbers that don't lie.

Here's mine.

Within range, but I do need toning, and I need to up my strength & endurance.

3. Self-reflection & Goal setting. I was forced to assess where I was and where I wanted to go. After all, there is no greater incentive than seeing yourself coming closer to your targets.

But of course, everything is set on paper.

TOMS ba Camo?

What a beaut. Love how they're not literal camos but a washed version instead. Best of all? Women's sizing bebe!

Sarj, you da best!

Jelly Nelly

Jelly shoes and sandals are a fun alternative to flip flops, and tad bit more stylish of course.

But not all jelly shoes and sandals are made the same. I remember wearing cheap jelly glitter sandals from Marks & Spencer, which I would step out in, back in college during rainy days. I had them as flats (my then five year old sister had the same pair, we bought our jellies in the children's section of M&S haha) and another pair was heeled. Remember these? 90s flashback!

I have the pricier but yummy smelling Melissa sandals which come in the brightest colors and now I have Jelly Nelly Dani sandals, which are so comfy that the plastic doesn't rub into the feet at all. Plus they come in hues like clear, gray and turquoise.

Plus, its made out of Eco Jelly - "the latest technology in material composition that follows the safest and strictest standards, making sure it does not cause harm to the environment."

It's really cute, and beach perfect. Especially if you're not the aqua socks wearing type and want something more feminine. It goes with everything too, shorts, tunic dresses, even jeans if you wear a pair in the city.

The thing with Eco Jelly though, and I don't know if other Jelly Nelly owners have the same experience, is that it kind of starts to smell funky when not exposed to air. When I got my Jelly Nelly sandals, I kept them inside the plastic packaging and stored them in my closet. A couple of weeks later, when I took them out to wear, it sort of smelled, and I know it's not my feet because it's a brand new pair no! Heehee. Other than that, I have no complaints! They're affordable (only Php845/pair) and cute, so what's not to like!

Plus, they have little girl sizes so your Mini Me can wear the same pair as yours (although little girl sizes come in prettier colors like light blue, lavender and pink)!

Jelly Nelly is available at select boutiques in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu and online via Mothering Earthlings. For the complete list of physical stores, click HERE!

For updates and to learn more about the Jelly Nelly brand, visit their website (www.jellynelly.com) and like them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jellynellysandals).