September 29, 2011

SCORED CANVAS: FOUR DOLLAR HAPPY AND A BOWL OF GYUDON

Things have been busy in my neck of the woods, right in the direct wake of Typhoon Nesat.

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(A man bicycles in rain storm due to Typhoon Nesat. Photo from www.csmononitor.com)

We lost power early but that didn’t stop me from getting work done despite the 140 kph wind trying to rip my neighbors roof next door. Laptop eventually died, leaving my sister and I bored until 10 PM. We ventured out. Debris were strewn everywhere. Sofitel and Roxas Boulevard had seen better days. The waves had been tall enough to crash over the sea wall, parts of the US Embassy and the lined palm trees. Our neighbors flower arch was gone.

On a brighter side, I got myself a canvas tote from Hedi Slimane Homme for a bargain at the thrift shop right across my client’s building.

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(The Hedi Slimane Homme canvas tote I scored at the thrift shop for $4.00 reminds me of the Teddyfish by Jack Spade)

The storm was dramatic to be sure but scoring an item for $4.00 , I escaped relatively unscathed.

September 26, 2011

DOWN UNDER PREPPY

A lot in the workforce do not need to dress up for the office but for us in public relations (PR), we just decide to.

There is something to be said for looking just right and James McNamara, a PR wiz from Brisbane, Australia sure does know how to work a strategic look built for multitasking while staying tune with his preppy basics from his bright red trousers, shirts in gingham and pullovers wrapped around his shoulders, whether in town or down under.

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McNamara is always bursting with energy, and he expects his wardrobe – and the rest of the world – to keep up. He shops for versatility, clothes he can wear whether he is in the country for a few weeks, making his rounds down south or back in Queensland.

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(T-B: James in Ralph Lauren and Cheap Monday, James with friend Amanda Stoker)

Smart fashion is timeless fashion. Being colleagues, I have never seen him in boring basics. Instead, he celebrates his bold preppy streak. Yes, he has always maintained a look that is clever and totally fuss-free. Besides, girls always love a hard man in soft colors.

September 23, 2011

RANDOM PLAYLIST: PUMPED UP KICKS

I am totally ready for October! Just dove into a pile of used Christmas lights and glow sticks.

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks from Foster The People on Vimeo.

September 19, 2011

JOHN AND PEREGRINE AND A DASH OF WINDSOR DANDYISM

Pale, wimpsy and mumsy just like Pewee Herman; banish these words from your mind and incorporate pastel in your regular wardrobe to add insouciant splash of flavor. Think clubhouse style with a dose of Windsor dandyism and here’s the important bit: girls love a hard man in soft colors.

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(Design and business partners Juana Manahan Yupango (founder of Capolino, a new line of clothing “ for the little men in your life”. ) and Hanniel Fernandez of John and Peregrine use imported cotton, oxfords and linens suited to the tropical weather in the Philippines.)

Girls always make a point of attacking us guys for our lack of individuality, but not with John and Peregrine! Their well tailored shirts ( I particularly like the Kermit green gingham) are stylish basic alternatives and are just as versatile as your fail safe plaids and guess what, their shirts can actually make you look like you have dropped a few pounds. Trust me!

September 13, 2011

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WELL RED

Finally back from my four day trip down provincial south and guess what, a burst of the hottest hue can totally light up your look.

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(Pale blue gingham shirt and red short trousers from Ralph Lauren, Ribbon belt from Wright Supply and Espadrilles from Legaspi weekend market.)

Also, studies have shown that sports team that wear red uniforms win more often than teams clad in other colors. Who knows, it may even pump you up enough to finish boring chores faster - Riiiight!

September 07, 2011

HERITAGE: SLAZENGER MILITARY CROSS GUNS POLO

The Military Cross polo forms part of the Military Black Label within the Slazenger Heritage Autumn/Winter 11 collection, paying tribute to the brand’s original war effort.

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(Details include a Military Cross crest alongside the Slazenger Panther logo on a signal red body and contrast sleeves in black.)

A key piece with a story, the shirt is a nod to Slazenger’s military past and embodies a modern military vibe for Autumn/Winter 11.

September 06, 2011

TWO DAYS TO SUNSHINE

In an effort to seclude myself from all the stress in the big city (not that I am complaining), I am flying down laidback south in the afternoon of Wednesday and I could not stop myself from listening to this Jam – it has been 4 days.

Dirty Gold - California Sunrise from Panaframe on Vimeo.


I have quiet adjusted my body to accommodate less alcohol since the last four day long weekend, monitoring the general intake of ten million little things--- booze, caffeine, medications and more booze.

My body seems to be making the transition so much more quickly than my mind. I definitely need my fourth glass of Moët & Chandon.

September 05, 2011

BASIC MATTER 27: IT IS ALL ABOUT VERSATILITY

Selected by GQ for 2010 best new menswear designer in America, Billy Reid’s intense "Southern-bred luxury" is pure class.

His collection is all about American clothing, blending deep Southern roots with a tough downtown vibe yet very versatile.

Forget those baggy pedestrian pleated khakis and tacky button downs and let these fashionable professionals from Billy Reid take the office dress code to a whole new dimension.

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Billy Reid, designer: "I like things that feel broken in, clothes that live and age well with you."

Just like Billy, I have always been very picky with the clothes I wear and the things I buy regardless the price point.

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Ashley Prinzi, Production:"If you’re proud of something show it off because in the end if you don’t like how you look everyone else can tell and then what’s the point."

It has always been quality and versatility over quantity for me. Luxury is about being able to enjoy what you buy and big-ticket items like a good bespoke suit from a local designer, or a navy blazer from Paul Smith or Zegna is always worth its price tag and trust me, items that are made well will always last you a lifetime.

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(T-B) Randy Little, Technical Director:"A few high-quality expertly tailored oxford shirts, a few pairs of dark-washed jeans, and wayfarers go a long way. An oxford with folded sleeves looks better if the sleeves stay up" and Savannah Yarborough, Senior Designer: "My personal style is simple, deconstructed, and mixed with soft layering and solid shoes."

I have noticed, the most common male fashion mistake is buying things that are uncomfortable to wear like a shirt three times smaller your usual ( No, It doesn't look sexy on you!) or trousers snug too tight ( Like, seriously?) hence multiple manginas - in other words, know your size!

Photos from Racked.