January 31, 2011

CHIC CHICK

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(Photo by the Sartorialist)

It's all in the DETAILS.

IL PORTIERE DI NOTTE, TUSCANY AND THAT SONG IN MY HEAD

In an effort to emotionally detoxify myself over the weekend after long nights spent at work and weekends at B-Side, Penguin and the Museum Cafe, I've thought of downloading 4 Italian classics, 2 (Umberto D and The Night Porter (Il Portiere di notte) which were from Alfonso’s list.

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(Raw, depressive yet truly brilliant, Umberto D is one of Vittorio De Sica’s best neorealist films during the early 50’s.)
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(Liliana Cavani’s Il portiere di is sleazy (not even as soft-core porn) and disturbing. Enough said.)

For nearly all my life, I have monitored the general intake of seven million little things from food to alcohol, too much caffeine, etc, admitting some, denying many and occasionally longed for that second glass of Moët, but my body seems to be making the transition so much more quickly than my mind (laughs). I thought of re-creating myself by strictly lodging decisions based on instinct that I have nailed into place and getting past that wall means making a list of permissions (rolls eye).

No more limiting myself, or restraining the gag reflex while sipping a cup of green tea.

I can drink beer any time, any place, in ridiculous quantities and get a little irresponsible about it, NOT!

I predict a weekend picnic at San Gimignano and Volterra later in the year and indulge in the heavenly headache relief of advil. Still singing, I must wake up!

January 28, 2011

BASIC MATTER 25: EVERYTHING STEVEN ALAN

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The cool Siberian wind is slowly losing its presence in our neck of the woods but that doesn’t stop me from wearing shorts, chambray, linen and plaids. All photos from Steven Alan's Spring 2011 collection.

January 24, 2011

MERCATO! MERCATO!

Mercato Centrale at the Fort is one of, if not the biggest weekend farmers market in Manila.

Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 am - 2:00 pm, Mercato not only features some of the city's freshest and highest quality products but also well dressed laid-back folks in their lazy weekend maxi’s, shorts and loafers. If you're there early in the day it's not uncommon to find Manila's best chefs scouring the market for seasonal ingredients.

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(Kevin Yapjoco of Bespoke man in Generic Surplus and bag from L.L. Bean and Timmy in Fred Perry and a hat from Hawaii)

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(Timmy's dad in a chic blue safari hat)

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(Peter Lim in Paul Smith)

Photos by Margarette Tipton and myself

January 18, 2011

PITTI ME!

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Oxfords,poplin, blue, red and madras at Pitti Uomo.

(Photos by Tommy Ton)

MORE THAN JUST AN IVY UNIFORM

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(Navy perfection! More men should dress like them. Photo by Trashness)

Blue and khakis, these guys obviously understands how to mix and match fabrics seamlessly. Like any traditionalist, the navy blazer should be a staple in everyone’s closet. I like pairing mine with a pair of slim khaki trousers or selvage jeans - It’s a simple touch that adds a certain cachet, and when executed correctly is unparalleled in elegance.

January 07, 2011

BASIC MATTER 24: BESPOKE TAN BELT

I've been in need of a new casual belt in tan since my last one broke a few months ago.

During my recent trip down south, I thought of having a double ring belt made at my dad’s cobbler using the brass rings from his old grosgrain ribbon belt ( Love you dad!).

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(Hah! Totally not bad for $6.00!)

I went with raw natural leather which did not cost me much.

January 04, 2011

MY DAD'S VINTAGE BROGUES

The heart of every gentleman’s great wardrobe is an old pair of brogues in black or brown. I always wear mine with love – in fact, I just had my 7 year old black brogues resoled during my recent trip down south.

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I had the chance to borrow my dad’s favorite pair of brown brogues for a couple of days during my trip - too bad he caught me secretly packing them haha.

January 03, 2011

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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I am back from my 10-day staycation down south with my family – a tradeoff to get everything or nothing done.