Hat: H&M
Scarf: gift
Gloves: Old Navy
Striped shirt: Petit Bateau
Cardigan: UNIQLO
Coat: Tulle Los Angeles
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Sneakers: Converse
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shopping bag: Baggu
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sharing My Outfit Day
Dear Hubby took a picture of me today and told me to post it! This is my typical Sunday attire. We actually just came from the grocery and he wanted to stop by the port to take photos, hence I was still clutching the mochi ice cream that I wanted to eat! Heehee!
Hat: H&M
Scarf: gift
Gloves: Old Navy
Striped shirt: Petit Bateau
Cardigan: UNIQLO
Coat: Tulle Los Angeles
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Sneakers: Converse
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shopping bag: Baggu
Hat: H&M
Scarf: gift
Gloves: Old Navy
Striped shirt: Petit Bateau
Cardigan: UNIQLO
Coat: Tulle Los Angeles
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Sneakers: Converse
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shopping bag: Baggu
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Cheap Thrills
I woke up this morning excited to get ready for my first ever New York fashion trade show! Unsure of what to wear, I wore my “uniform” – grey cotton shirtdress, black cashmere cardigan, black tights, brown Burberry belt, brown Lanvin boots, and a black babydoll coat. Total blend-o-rama!
I kissed Dear Hubby who decided to stay home, and headed out the door for my fashion adventure!
I took the E train to West 23rd Street and walked a couple of blocks to get to Starrett Lehigh Center on West 26th Street, one of two locations where the D&A (Designers & Agents) trade shows were situated.
The area where the Center was located looked like an industrial zone filled with warehouses - converted warehouses to my relief; which housed art galleries! It was easy to get distracted with all the artwork on display behind the big glass windows. If only I could stop at each and every gallery! I even passed by Danziger Projects, where The Sartorialist has an exhibit of his photos! “Must come back here…” I made a mental note to myself.
I knew I was near the venue when I saw Japanese girls crossing the street, brownish red hair and fringes in their Minnetonka suede boots swaying as they ran, trying to beat the STOP sign. Then a parade of smartly dressed men and women, all in somber grays and blacks came pouring out to the sidewalk. Ooohhh! Good thing I wore my uniform, I fitted right in!
I went straight for the entrance, a bit fearful that somebody might stop me and ask me what business I had there. I’m a New York trade show virgin, and I had to brace myself for the worst! But it was all smooth sailing as I went up the elevator to the13th floor where I was scheduled to meet the showroom owner who invited me to the trade show. I walked up to the receptionists by the entrance, and asked them where I could find her studio. They asked me to sign up, and voila! I got this really cool canvas bag and a booklet to guide me through all the exhibits.
That was nice! I had to keep myself from smiling, and said thanks nonchalantly, pretending I was used to the buying scene. Heehee!
As I entered the studio, I saw that an array of coffee, tea, juice and hor d’oeuvres had been laid out, but nobody seemed to pay attention to the refreshments on hand, except for the tub of Fiji water bottles that is. Instead, I saw buyers busy picking out clothes from the racks, talking to the showroom staff attending to them, and furiously writing down their orders on clipboards. Very Fashion Babylon.
When I finally saw the showroom owner, she greeted me, and without wasting time, rattled off the points I had to relay to my friend. Then she told me to feel free to walk around, as she turned her back to attend to the many buyers trying to catch her attention. It was kind of a big deal! I was like in the midst of the United Nations of the fashion world, where buyers from all over congregated to get the best of Fall 2008. I heard a smattering of Japanese, French, Italian and Spanish all in one room. Too bad I was the only Pinoy there, and I wasn’t even buying for the Philippine market! Because the clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry and cashmere shawls were absolutely gorgeous! The showroom even had accessories from Martine Sitbon! Man, our market is missing out on some pretty good stuff I tell you!
It was especially quite a thrill to see what stuff will be coming out for F/W 2008. Here’s my take: Nothing major thankfully that we all have to revamp our wardrobes! The shapes and silhouettes were pretty much carried over from recent seasons, but there were lots of nice muted colors that we can incorporate into our wardrobes to update our look for that season. I’ll discuss things in detail as the F/W 2008 season draws near!
So anyway, after wandering off to the other studios, and watching frantic buyers trying to get business done in no time, I headed off to the elevator. This was a great trade show, filled with collections not only from up and coming designers, but well known independent labels like Eugenia Kim, VPL, MALOLES, French Sole, IMITATION by Imitation of Christ, etc.
But before meeting Dear Hubby at Rockefeller Center, where we agreed to meet before heading off to dinner with his HLS friends, I went to West 22nd Street. Where the Balenciaga New York boutique is! It was side-by-side art galleries, and a stone’s throw from the Chelsea Art Museum, where it fit right in. Because Balenciaga clothes are works of art, especially this fabulous floral spring beauty I saw on display, ripe for the picking! If you have tons of money that is! Heehee!
I know some people find this garish. But upon closer scrutiny, it will make the staunchest fashion atheist a believer. When I saw it, I just had to go up close and touch it with my bare hands! And stroke it, and run my fingers through the stitching! What makes it hold its shape is the fact that it’s made out of thin foam-y material, with the silk fabric ironed onto it (kind of the same principle as iron-on patches…I guess). I think its genius. If my dad was Joseph Lau (the “Hong Kong real estate titan” whose 24 year old daughter wears French couture as disclosed to W Magazine), I’d buy it, wear it once, and put it in a glass casing in my room and say its artwork.
But because I was born to make my own fortune, I left the Balenciaga boutique empty handed. At least for now, heehee!
But hey, I had a new bag from D&A! All in all, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!!!
(Photos courtesy of Harvey Dychiao and style.com)
I kissed Dear Hubby who decided to stay home, and headed out the door for my fashion adventure!
I took the E train to West 23rd Street and walked a couple of blocks to get to Starrett Lehigh Center on West 26th Street, one of two locations where the D&A (Designers & Agents) trade shows were situated.
The area where the Center was located looked like an industrial zone filled with warehouses - converted warehouses to my relief; which housed art galleries! It was easy to get distracted with all the artwork on display behind the big glass windows. If only I could stop at each and every gallery! I even passed by Danziger Projects, where The Sartorialist has an exhibit of his photos! “Must come back here…” I made a mental note to myself.
I knew I was near the venue when I saw Japanese girls crossing the street, brownish red hair and fringes in their Minnetonka suede boots swaying as they ran, trying to beat the STOP sign. Then a parade of smartly dressed men and women, all in somber grays and blacks came pouring out to the sidewalk. Ooohhh! Good thing I wore my uniform, I fitted right in!
I went straight for the entrance, a bit fearful that somebody might stop me and ask me what business I had there. I’m a New York trade show virgin, and I had to brace myself for the worst! But it was all smooth sailing as I went up the elevator to the13th floor where I was scheduled to meet the showroom owner who invited me to the trade show. I walked up to the receptionists by the entrance, and asked them where I could find her studio. They asked me to sign up, and voila! I got this really cool canvas bag and a booklet to guide me through all the exhibits.
That was nice! I had to keep myself from smiling, and said thanks nonchalantly, pretending I was used to the buying scene. Heehee!
As I entered the studio, I saw that an array of coffee, tea, juice and hor d’oeuvres had been laid out, but nobody seemed to pay attention to the refreshments on hand, except for the tub of Fiji water bottles that is. Instead, I saw buyers busy picking out clothes from the racks, talking to the showroom staff attending to them, and furiously writing down their orders on clipboards. Very Fashion Babylon.
When I finally saw the showroom owner, she greeted me, and without wasting time, rattled off the points I had to relay to my friend. Then she told me to feel free to walk around, as she turned her back to attend to the many buyers trying to catch her attention. It was kind of a big deal! I was like in the midst of the United Nations of the fashion world, where buyers from all over congregated to get the best of Fall 2008. I heard a smattering of Japanese, French, Italian and Spanish all in one room. Too bad I was the only Pinoy there, and I wasn’t even buying for the Philippine market! Because the clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry and cashmere shawls were absolutely gorgeous! The showroom even had accessories from Martine Sitbon! Man, our market is missing out on some pretty good stuff I tell you!
It was especially quite a thrill to see what stuff will be coming out for F/W 2008. Here’s my take: Nothing major thankfully that we all have to revamp our wardrobes! The shapes and silhouettes were pretty much carried over from recent seasons, but there were lots of nice muted colors that we can incorporate into our wardrobes to update our look for that season. I’ll discuss things in detail as the F/W 2008 season draws near!
So anyway, after wandering off to the other studios, and watching frantic buyers trying to get business done in no time, I headed off to the elevator. This was a great trade show, filled with collections not only from up and coming designers, but well known independent labels like Eugenia Kim, VPL, MALOLES, French Sole, IMITATION by Imitation of Christ, etc.
But before meeting Dear Hubby at Rockefeller Center, where we agreed to meet before heading off to dinner with his HLS friends, I went to West 22nd Street. Where the Balenciaga New York boutique is! It was side-by-side art galleries, and a stone’s throw from the Chelsea Art Museum, where it fit right in. Because Balenciaga clothes are works of art, especially this fabulous floral spring beauty I saw on display, ripe for the picking! If you have tons of money that is! Heehee!
I know some people find this garish. But upon closer scrutiny, it will make the staunchest fashion atheist a believer. When I saw it, I just had to go up close and touch it with my bare hands! And stroke it, and run my fingers through the stitching! What makes it hold its shape is the fact that it’s made out of thin foam-y material, with the silk fabric ironed onto it (kind of the same principle as iron-on patches…I guess). I think its genius. If my dad was Joseph Lau (the “Hong Kong real estate titan” whose 24 year old daughter wears French couture as disclosed to W Magazine), I’d buy it, wear it once, and put it in a glass casing in my room and say its artwork.
But because I was born to make my own fortune, I left the Balenciaga boutique empty handed. At least for now, heehee!
But hey, I had a new bag from D&A! All in all, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!!!
(Photos courtesy of Harvey Dychiao and style.com)
Friday, February 08, 2008
When it Rains...
Ooohhh! Yay!!! I got another invite! One of my best friends from high school, who works for the UK Trade Office here in New York, called me this morning to ask me to accompany her to another trade show on Monday!!!
That's a big deal for a "housewife" like me! Beats going to the grocery, hehehe!
I just want to shout out a big THANK YOU to the Universe!!! =)
That's a big deal for a "housewife" like me! Beats going to the grocery, hehehe!
I just want to shout out a big THANK YOU to the Universe!!! =)
Vivienne Westwood and Zaha Hadid for Melissa
Here's something to absolutely look forward to!!! I can't wait for Istila Companhia, the Philippine distributors of Melissa, to reveal their latest collection for Spring!
What I know from reading Robb Young's article from the International Herald Tribune, is that Vivienne Westwood has reinterpreted two of her classic shoe styles in Melissa's plastic! I doubt if it will be her pirate boots though...(But hey, those would make fabulous rainboots!) Hmmm, Sex Shoe is that you?
As if that wasn't enough, architect Zaha Hadid (2004 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize), has come up with a tentacled sandal prototype that is "already causing a stir among design maniacs".
Exciting times not only for Melissa fans but for design fanatics and shoe fetishists as well don't you think?
(Photo courtesy of Melissa, IHT.com)
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Crossing the Road
QUESTION: Why did the woman NOT cross the road?
ANSWER: Because there were anti-fur protesters on the other side...
It was quite odd to see this couple transfixed in that spot for a good five minutes or so. But since the lady was wearing a fur cape, I understood their dilemma. Right in front of the Escada boutique camped a group of anti-fur protesters.
I can just imagine their conversation:
MAN: Honey, I really need to go to Dunhill to get myself a new pair of gloves.
WOMAN: Do you mind going by yourself? I spy unfriendly forces on the other side.
MAN: We went all the way to New York to do our shopping and now you're telling me I have to go and pick stuff on my own?
WOMAN: But my safety is at stake here!
(Photo by Harvey Dychiao)
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