100 DAYS

In case you've been hibernating for the past months, the weather has continually been dropping in my neck of the woods as if you've just stepped out of your refrigerator that just got defrosted. That may simply mean scattered afternoon showers, damp sidewalks and layers of billowing outerwear in black and grey.






(Here are a few pieces from Kitsune to add to your “Ber” necessities.)

Though I have become accustomed to prepster-essentials like cardigans, blazers and grown-up schoolboy Americana, the options for this season are endless, and utility chic continues to be a strong, wearable trend that's easily paired with closet staples like my plaids, ginghams and basic crisp white shirts.

My typical menswear silhouette is characterized by voluminous coats (yup, I’m reviving my parka) and narrow trousers paired with chunky brogues – yes, I never stray too far from my roots.

UNIFORM DRESSING : PLAIDS

Like oxfords and seersuckers, plaids always appealed to me.

I am actually wearing one now. All shirts from Gitman Vintage / Gitman Brothers

THE SEBAGO NEXUS PROJECT: TOUCHING AMERICANA & HIP-HOP

Ronnie Fieg Presents: The Sebago Nexus Project - Trailer by Jake Davis from Jake Davis on Vimeo.

BASIC MATTER 19 : THE CARDIGAN

I have been wearing my cardigans unbuttoned and would usually pair them with dark jeans or tailored shorts so they don’t have the old-man stigma.


(Photo from The Sartorialist)

Yesterday, out of extreme boredom, me and my sister Anika decided to hit Forever 21 – a wasteland of disposable fashion were quantity reigns high over quality.

I finally found a cardigan that fit me perfectly (No, it isn’t a lightweight merino from Barneys) – though am not really a big fan of the brand, I bought it anyway. It’s a simple cardigan with oval suede-like elbow patches from Heritage 1981 – Forever 21’s menswear line.

For only $20.90, I mean, I shouldn’t really be complaining. I have yet to wear it!

THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR DAD’S SUIT

“I wanted to take a small detail and make people really think about it. It was something people hadn’t seen before. I wanted to encourage younger customers to look at a suit and think, “Well, maybe I really could wear that.” – Thom Browne

WHAT'S YOUR UNIFORM?

I totally feel naked without a watch on. In fact, I have a couple of nice watches bought from trips abroad and presents from mum and dad. I was never a fan of Tag Heuer but nothing beats Rolex and Breitling.

Check in, check out and more than 10 years after, I have realized I’m still using my black-strapped vintage Bill Blass watch dad got me in Toronto.



Yes, I have been trying to convince myself and guess what, the updated 100 Series Wristwatch version 200 from Uniform Wares are just the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

Designed as a continuation to the 100 Series, the version 200 is a unisex timepiece referencing the archetypal engineering of machine gauges and industrial equipment used in the leather working process.



It also features an aircraft grade stainless steel case in either PVD coated, brushed or polished finish, Italian calf leather strap and Swiss made 7 jewel, ETA calender movement.

Now, where the hell is my credit card?

SEEING DOUBLE. WELL, ALMOST!

I have been a prescribed bespectacled person since high school until I convinced myself that wearing one just made me look like a dork and decided to go semi blind ‘til last week.

Paying the price for vanity and occasional annoying headaches - I am now in need of a new pair. Believe me, I have been trying on pair after pair at the local optical shop – almost frustrated until I came across Warby Parker online.

Warby Parker offers vintage-inspired designs for only $95 bucks (around Php4,500) including your prescription – not bad!

The only down side for me being in the Philippines is that they don't yet ship to my side of the Pacific.

BASIC MATTER 18: THE PERFECT BUSINESS CARD HOLDER

I have finally given my business cards a stylish storage thanks to P who got me a new one for my birthday from Tsubota Pearl, one of Japan’s luxury goods company known for their finely crafted silver cases and lighters.


(Hand-stitched green leather card case from Japan)

Business card holders from Tsubota are a chic way of organizing your cards instead of keeping them inside your already bulky wallet. A potent marketing tool that has gained more popularity through the years – they should be stored properly! Business cards are no longer a piece of paper that contain one's name and contact details, they now have become stylish introductions.

JUST BECAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I CAN....

Wrap myself in fabric at the fabric shop, have an afternoon tea party with tables filled with cupcakes...




...repaint my apartment, pop balloons, shop for more loafers and dress shirts to fill my closet, shop online for more plaid shirts at Steven Alan, A tote from L.L Bean and thank everyone for the overwhelming birthday wishes.

What better way to start a new day than a video from the Windmill Club’s S/S ’10

The Windmill Club SS 2010 from Buffalo Picture House on Vimeo.

WEEKEND MOOD BOARD AND AN ART FAIR

My sister Anika and I spent the weekend at Manila Art and at the local furniture and D.I.Y shops sourcing for the right home accessory so we could start putting our humble apartment into place. Totally different from our big house in the province, we’re both quiet excited on how it’ll look especially after a coat of eggshell white paint from the supply store nearby.


Creating your own mood board is a good way to get inspired, keep track of ideas, and visualize how your room will look

We are hoping we can at least spruce up the whole space a bit in the next 4 weeks so we can get some huge framed paintings installed.

Now, where to buy a new carpet for the living room?