Shopping from a Stylist's Closet (Or, The Best Ukay Ever)

What do you do when one of the country's top stylists (and my good friend and life peg) posts this announcement?

You text the damn number.

And you set a budget, because you can seriously go broke at The Best Sale Ever.

Super stylist Pam Quinones finally decided to let go of a lot of stuff--clothes, shoes, accessories from her styling jobs as well as her own personal stash. Pam is my go-to girl whenever I need specific outfits ("Pam, I have a beach wedding!" "Pam, I need a 20s outfit!" "Pam, my niece's birthday party is safari-themed!"), plus the girl is never less than uber-chic, so I HAD to go to this sale. I also needed new clothes for this unrecognizable post-preggo body, but was unwilling to spend a bundle when I now have other priorities (like the kid's monthly vaccines!).

So, off to the sale I went. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made.

We walked into the first floor of Pam's gorgeous studio (she's a frustrated interior designer) and were told that "shorts and pants are on this floor, dresses are upstairs."

Nina (GH's assistant fashion editor, whom I dragged along) and I went straight to the second floor. And ZOMG it was a frickin' black hole.

There was a room just for accessories and shoes (thankfully not my size!).

And another room with racks and racks of dresses.

We started going through the clothes, neatly arranged by color. Some items hadn't even been used, tags on and everything. One of Pam's assistants encouraged us to start in another room, where all the designer duds were. We figured our budgets were just enough for this room, so we politely said, "No, thank you." Then he said, "The prices are almost the same." That was our cue!

The designer room also had several racks of dresses. Amid the Martin Bautistas and Charina Sartes, I found this confection.

An absolutely dreamy Lanvin dress for--wait for it--P2,500!!! WHERE ELSE AM I GOING TO FIND A FRICKIN' LANVIN FOR $60?!

I had to be smart about my shopping trip though. I had a small budget, and I wanted to stretch it as much as I could, and a Lanvin that I couldn't wear that often just didn't make sense. But I figured my best friend would LOVE the dress. So I sent her a photo, and next thing I knew, she was reserving it. Which means I could borrow it some day. Yay!

I couldn't resist trying it on though. Tee-hee. Sigh, so pretty!

I ended up getting a Chloe dress (!) instead. And a couple of other dresses, a top, and a cover-up. All for P2,000!!!

Nins had a similar budget, and she thought long and hard about her purchases:

Nina: There's a cute leather jacket, pero hindi ko alam kung magagamit ko kasi ang init dito (I don't know if I'll be able to use it since it's so hot here.)

Me: Magkano ba? (How much?)

Nina: P100.

Me: PINAG-IISIPAN PA BA YON?! (Do you even have to think about it?!)

Here's Nins with her haul--her "splurge" was a P500 Zara dress, then she got a bunch of P100 dresses and tops! (Btw, you might want to check out her fashion blog, ninyacolada.tumblr.com--super cute outfit posts!)

As our totals were being tallied, more stuff was coming in, including some YSLs and Charlotte Olympias.
 

 

THANK YOU, PAM.

Will probably do another post on my finds. So happy!

Dressing the Bump: the Long Top

As your bump gets bigger, you're going to want to steer clear of all your cropped tops and cute little baby tees (that will end up looking like cropped tops anyway!). If you're wearing separates, you're going to need tops that fall way below your tummy for two reasons: 1) to avoid looking like Winnie the Pooh, and 2) to cover any belly bands or, in my case, rubber bands that are keeping your pants up!

This black, off-shoulder top is super long. I can even wear it as a dress, albeit a very short one now...

This coral top is one size larger than my usual size, allowing for more room around the belly...

I love this basic white tee!

The next top illustrates a fashion tip: When wearing leggings, make sure you pair it with a top that's long enough to cover your bum. If you decide to wear a short top, layer a long cardigan over it. (Er, unless you're running or going to an aerobics class?) No one needs to get that familiar with the contours of your butt.

And this one was in a color I couldn't resist. It's not a maternity top, it's just really loose and flowy. I sometimes knot the ends under my belly!

Got other tips? Share away!

Dressing the Bump: the Empire Waist

Thirty-five weeks and not a single pair of maternity pants in sight!

Some pregnant women might be thinking that they have to spend a bundle on clothes that they'll only be using for a few months. Well, ladies, I'm here to tell you that you don't! I've lasted nearly nine months (!) without buying any maternity clothes (aside from one suuuuuuper comfortable maxi dress that I can live in forever), and just using stuff from my existing wardrobe. Of course, I wasn't one to wear anything ultra-fitted to begin with. Funny how I feel better about wearing clingy things now that I have a bump! This little monster is something I want the world to see (versus my old, babyless-but-round-tummy. Har).

This is the first in a series of posts about things that you might already own and can still use during your pregnancy. You'll be spending a lot on other stuff, so it helps to save where you can! And if you must buy new duds, you don't have to limit yourself to the maternity section--you can actually get things that you can use even after you give birth. I think I'm fortunate though that I've been on track with the weight gain, plus most (if not all) of the lbs have gone to my tummy. So my clothes still pretty much fit. (Another reason to keep your weight in check!)

My first pregnancy wardrobe staple: the empire waist. To the uninitiated, an empire waist is a waistline cut above one's natural waistline, right below the bust. Because seriously, you do not want to wear something that sits on your natural waist once you start ballooning.

Most dresses with an empire waist usually have flowy fabric after the cut, so there's a lot of room for your growing belly. All three dresses above are things I've had for ages. (I do love a good empire waist since it tends to be more forgiving.) The first dress, though, is a bit more streamlined, so it sadly doesn't fit over my belly anymore.

I've got a few more go-to preggo styles in succeeding posts. Expectant mommas, what are your own wardrobe staples?:)

Dressing the Bump

I'm at week 18, and my tummy has grown so much in the past two weeks, it's ridiculous. Exhibit A:

So my arm's looking chunky too, but whatevs. My stomach feels incredibly taut, like I just had too much to eat, so I'm constantly slathering on cocoa butter. (The Body Shop sweetly sent me a new stick along with some cute new makeup. Aww.) Photo above was taken a couple of days ago, and I'm wearing my new favorite dress. I can do so much with that dress, and I might just do a "five ways to wear" post in the future. On this day, I was wearing it with a gold necklace, a stack of bangles, and animal-print sandals.

I started a Facebook album called "Buntis Is the New Black." ("Buntis" is the Filipino word for "pregnant." Some people have taken to calling me "Buntish"!) In it, I post outfit pics, because I really believe that pregnancy doesn't mean the death of fashion. (That, and being pregnant seems to be a big trend now. I know more than ten other women who are pregnant!) I started the album around week 16, when the bump wasn't all that obvious yet. I imagine it will get a lot more challenging the bigger my tummy gets. I tend to just take one photo of my outfits (no details or anything), so I'll just post multiple outfits for now.

From week 16: a Breton top (I believe this is a wardrobe staple), white jeans, blue pumps, and a homemade t-shirt necklace. I made the necklace after watching a tutorial on YouTube, but you can visit Roma's blog to find out how to make a different version. I wore this outfit to an event in Tagaytay. And before people stone me for wearing heels, let me assure you that my doctor says it's totally fine.

Also from week 16: a simple outfit I wore on a rainy day, when I had to conduct an ocular inspection of a potential shoot location. Dark skinny jeans that still fit (at that time), a white button-down top that I tied at the bottom, zebra-print flats, and a trench that I got at 50% off.

From week 17: electric blue pants, sequined top, cream blazer, nude pumps, gold earrings. I had taping for a local TV show on this day. On the same day, a TV crew from Singapore was shooting something at the office, and I ended up making an appearance. No idea when these things will be shown though.

From week 17: I flew to Cebu for work, had to give a talk as part of the Good Ideas workshop. It was a weekend event, so I wanted to wear something kind of fun and relaxed, but still put together: raspberry pants, sheer top, nude pumps, gold jewelry. (After seeing the stairs I had to climb to get on stage, I ditched the pumps in favor of sandals.)

Maybe I should make like a fashion blogger and start taking detail shots so I can just do one outfit per post. Har. Thankfully, a lot of my regular clothes are loose so I can still wear them even as I get bigger. Funny thing is, I'm more inclined to wear fitted outfits now--I finally have an excuse to have a tummy!

Dream Dress

Caught a season one episode of Downton Abbey on TV this morning, and I just salivated over Mary Crawley's clothes all over again. This dress in particular is something I'm totally lusting over.

I would love to have it made for one of the weddings I have to attend this year (there are quite a few, although nothing close to the dozen I had to go to a couple of years ago). But my BFF, who's made most of my formal wear, is pregnant (woohoo!) so I need to find a skilled yet reasonably priced substitute dressmaker. Any leads?

I Think I'm In Love

Meet my new sweethearts...

The stylist pulled them out for our June cover shoot. One look at those babies and I was a goner--it was love at first sight. What's a girl to do but give in to her urges? Sigh.

Notorius P.I.G.

I've been remiss when it comes to reading InStyle, and only found out yesterday that the diva of divas, Miss Piggy, actually did an eight-page fashion spread for them in November!

Photo from here

What an absolutely brilliant idea! My favorite photo has got to be the closeup of her legs and feet wearing Brian Atwood platforms.

"I especially adore the way these shoes enhance my naturally svelte and statuesque gams." Photo from here

In an interview, Brian Atwood was asked about creating heels for Miss Piggy. His reply: "Oh my god. SUCH a diva. Her handlers… Before I even started the first sketch, I had a list of what she likes, photographs of her feet in certain shoes….I’m serious. Literally, we had a whole sheet--two pages--of what she likes, what her feet look like…she doesn’t like closed toe because her feet look chunky…they hang over the pump…she prefers strappy with adjustments…It’s true. Yeah, she was a diva, but it was definitely worth the shot."

Pig also granted her own interview:

Aaah! She even stunned on the red carpet at the recent Academy Awards:

Miss Piggy in a Zac Posen dress and Fred Leighton jewelry (no less!); Kermit in a Brooks Brothers tux. Photo from here

Other divas can learn a thing or two from this porcine princess!

In the Pink

Pond's asked the editors to wear something pink to a recent event. I don't really have pink dresses so...

I didn't get a great night's sleep (even in the sumptuous Midas Hotel bed) because I generally have trouble sleeping without the husband beside me. Hence, the eyebags and sallow skin. I felt so haggard next to all the lovely editors and models!

Lovely Frances from OK! and pretty pretty Cit-Cit from Inquirer (formerly from Preview)--who couldn't not wear black

Great food, great event, great company!

My Last Day on the Calendar

The night before I turned 32 (yes, I'm saying it out loud), Hamil took me to a swanky restaurant, tucked away in a nondescript building in Makati. I wanted to wear something both polished and relaxed, two key words to describe my style in my 30s. (BFF M would call it "effortless chic.")

My birthday suit: Dress by Philosophy; nude pumps by Parisian; belt (not seen), earrings, necklace by WWW; clutch by Aranaz

I pretty much wore H-to-T SM! Haha. Polished doesn't have to mean expensive. (I don't really do expensive. I'd rather spend my money on travel.)

The night before my birthday, I used to really freak out. But birthdays have gotten easier with my husband around. I still kind of fretted for a bit, thinking about jumping off the calendar and falling into the abyss (haha). But I think I've learned to embrace my age.

There are a lot of reasons to love being 32, but for now, let me focus on one: Appreciating the body I have. While I still have a dream body in mind, I love the one I'm already in. I used to avoid anything form-fitting, but I've learned not to hide behind loose clothing (much to the delight of ze huzband). I have learned that gaining five pounds does not mean the end of the world. But beyond that, I have a much greater appreciation for what my body can do, rather than what it looks like--I ran a half marathon. I did 30 days of Insanity. And even with my rickety bones and layer of belly fat, I can pretty much outlast my team when it comes to doing core exercises. The anxieties and insecurities from my teens and 20s are fading fading fading, and some days, I feel quite at peace. I imagine that, the older I get, these days will turn into status quo. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that people always tell me I don't look my age!)

Here's to growing old gracefully!

Wedding Wear

'Tis the season to get married! Attended two weddings yesterday in what is probably my favorite wedding outfit to date (not counting my wedding gown, of course!).

Snakeskin top and pleated black skirt with slit and gold waistband from The Ramp at Crossings, nude platform pumps by Parisian, Aranaz clutch, earrings by WWW, bangles from Forever 21

I was tired of wearing the usual prom-like gowns, so I opted for edgy separates. I looove the slit. This skirt would be more flattering on someone three inches taller though! Har. Didn't think my husband would like it, but he actually said, "Ooh! Snakeskin!" Got another wedding this month in Baguio. Thinking about a formal outfit to wear in cooler climes.

Marry Christmas!

My Christmas Wish List

It's December, y'all! Can you believe it? I haven't even done my Christmas shopping yet! Ack!

Ze huzband has been asking me about what I want, so it got me thinking about my own Christmas wish list. Presenting, the top 10 things on my list (although I may have missed a few things), in no particular order...

1. A new wardrobe. I have a lot of clothes already, but I really want to have a well-rounded wardrobe that stays true to my style (which I've determined is "classic with an edge"--except when I'm on the field!).

All from Zara. What can I say? I love neutrals.

2. Laptop. Because my old netbook isn't working like it's supposed to. And I also want to replace our clunky home desktop PC with a sleek notebook.

Isn't it purty? From here.

3. Hand vacuum. Yes, yes, this is the unsexiest thing I have on my list. But I'm convinced that I would vacuum more if only I didn't have to assemble-disassemble-store every single time I have to vacuum the couch.

From here.

4. Sheets. I really want to add to our sheet wardrobe! There's nothing like lying in a bed with fresh, crisp sheets.

And if you want to throw in a fluffy white comforter, that would be awesome. From here.

5. A good chef's knife. I think it takes longer for me to cook because I don't have a proper knife. I had a chef's knife a couple of years ago, but it has since gotten dull, and I wouldn't know how to begin sharpening it. P.S. Did you know that more kitchen accidents are caused by dull knives than sharp ones?

Hamil and I saw this on the Home TV Shopping Network and were so amazed! Haha

6. Design*Sponge at Home. I've been wanting this book for months.

From here.

7. And while we're at it, a book shopping spree. Because even though my brother said he would give me his Kindle, I still one day want to have this...

From here.

8. My signature scent. I love love love L'Occitane Recolte Bleu. It was given to me by my good friend Marie a few years ago, and it's been my scent ever since. It smells like lavender--so fresh, clean, relaxing. But I just recently ran out of it.:(

From here.

9. Butterbeer cupcakes. My "sister" Priti found a recipe for Butterbeer cupcakes. We've been meaning to whip up a batch but a few ingredients aren't available locally. Sigh.

Photo from the same site.

10. To travel. I really really really miss my family in New York. It's been a year.:( And I really really really want to go back to Europe, with Hamil this time.

I did throw a coin into the Fountain of Trevi on my last visit, so I have high hopes that I'll be going back!

I'm not asking for too much, am I?:) When people ask me what I want, I normally say "nothing," because really, I do have everything to give me a comfortable life. These big-ticket items are just fanciful bonuses. As it is--with everything (and everyone) I have in my life--I have more than enough to be thankful for.

What's on your list?

Style Inspiration: Last-Season Serena

My life has been filled with work and rakets (working on a special issue of another magazine, editing a book, writing an article for a national daily) and utterly devoid of any excitement! Hence, my silence in the blogosphere.

I did go to a wedding after-party a couple of weeks ago (congrats, RyChan!), and wore a loose interpretation of one of Serena van der Woodsen's outfits from last season's Gossip Girl:

Serena photo from here. Pants, Pink Lemonade. Top, Express. Belt, 50th Avenue. Nude pumps, Parisian. Black clutch from a friend.

I had been looking for those pants for a frickin' year before I found 'em. Instead of wearing a gold jacket over a white top, I opted for my totally disco, gold sequined top. I could throw on a white blazer for a reverse interpretation of Serena's top half.

And yes, this outfit is literally so last season!

Would You Wear These Shoes?

I'm a high-heels girl myself but...

Ladies and gents, those are the 8 (yes, eight!)-inch Louboutin heeled ballet shoes, still with the trademark red soles. I think they were up for auction. The only way these shoes could be even harder to wear would be if the heels were...in front?

Afraid.

El Cheapo Shopping Finds

Am on a bit of a budget now, so had to keep expenses down on a recent shopping trip. Found these basic pieces at great bargain prices...

Racerback tops from Forever 21 at P190 (about $4.50) each. Super versatile.

At long last, wide-leg pants! These are by Weekender at SM Department Store. My priciest purchase of the day, at P699.75 (about $17)!

I'd been searching and searching for a nice pair of wide-leg pants since late last year. I still want a pair in camel, but this chocolate brown number can take the place of my faded brown slacks.

Next: Le Donne flats, P595 (about $14). It's very hard for me to find flats that I like--I have wide feet so a lot of the ones in the market tend to be unflattering. These pointy-toe ones seem to elongate my feet. Sooo comfortable! Soft as butter.

And finally, my husband's favorite: a little black dress--or, more accurately, a little black-and-white dress.

He loves that it hugs my curves (while I love loose clothing--I seriously have a lot of things I could wear once I'm preggers--husband likes it when he can see my figure). The fit is great now, but if I plan to eat in it, I should lose a couple of pounds! Or maybe invest in Spanx. Hmm. I did save a bundle on this shopping trip. This dress's price tag? P450 (about $11)! By Liberte at Robinsons Department Store. A similar one appears in September's P500-and-under fashion feature.

Found any good deals lately?

Like Fashion?

Then you'll lurve this girl. Nikki is OK! Magazine's former fashion editor, and she's finally blogging about her tres chic outfits! While I probably can't afford half the stuff she wears, it's still fun taking a look-see at such fabulousness. And before you start hating on how gorgeous she is, I gotta tell ya that she's very nice. Happy blog-stalking!

Wardrobe Update

This week has just been about work, work, work, and disc, disc, disc. (In true last-minute kaladkarin fashion, I decided to join my first international tournament, and am just cramming as much training as I can into five weeks.) Worked til midnight one day, did a radio tour, and had to give some welcome remarks at a Marionnaud event at the Mall of Asia.

With the Marionnaud reps, my friend Macky (Isabel) Roces, Maritoni Fernandez, Jackilou Blanco, and Maricel Laxa

For said event, I was asked to wear something floral. This, and the royal wedding viewing party, made me realize that I need a more well-rounded wardrobe. I don't have anything that's garden party- and tea party-appropriate! So, in line with GH's "Keep? Toss? Buy?" feature this month, I'm trying to figure out what items I need to purchase. My list so far:

• Nude wedges
• An LBD (I have a lot of black dresses, but none of them look cocktail-y)
• TV guesting-worthy dresses
• More flats! My poor Celine ones are suffering from overuse. (Try spending a day at a shoot in four-inch heels.)

What do you need to complete your wardrobe?