2010 is starting out to be one heck of a busy year. I meant to do this last December but I had no time to organise it, not to mention, no time to see it through. What am I talking about? Well, I wanted to give away some stuff to celebrate Christmas, my birthday and Style Manila’s 3rd year anniversary. Yes, this blog turned 3 early this month!

So what exactly am I giving away? Let’s start with a few beauty loot bags which will contain the following:
Loot #1
AVON’s Jet Femme …

Local-made. Marikina, to be exact. Yes, folks. I’ve managed to stumble upon a seller of Marikina-made shoes over at the Christmas Carnivale Bazaar held at Ayala Alabang, which I went to last Saturday. This ought to be good news for those of you who are looking to buy pairs made from Marikina.
PILL. Proudly Philippine-made.

When I asked the sales person regarding the designs. I was informed that the owners of Pill are behind it. Personal thoughts on the current selection (or the ones available at the bazaar), most are influenced by …

Although customary, a feature would’ve been in line after the dress is finished and not while it’s still in the creation process. However, in my excitement with how things turning out, let me give you folks a quick look at the dress I had let Kaye Olfindo design for me.
I love having clothes esp made for me. I probably got this from my mum who, as I was growing up, would have most of her clothes made by a local modista or seamstress/dressmaker. Of course, I got a taste of …

Early this month, news reached me that Kaye Olfindo had released her Holiday 2009 Collection with four (4) distinct dress designs perfect for the ladies who love playing dress up. I reckon this bit is perfect news for us with parties and formals to either throw or attend.
Wouldn’t it be great to wear something that’s made esp for you?
Meet the dresses:

VIDA (Php 2,500) Bamboo cotton dress with beaded neckline.

LAILA (Php 2,500) Poly-acetate dress with removable belt and brooch.

TAMAR (Php 3,500). Satin and leatherette dress with detachable belt.

LUNA …

Creating awareness for a worthy endeavour is a big step towards success. I believe that though it is good to have financial support (not everything in life is free after all), getting information out there will go a long way. Creating urgency, delegating responsibility. The more people are informed, the higher the probability of them taking action.
We all know how unstable things are in some parts of the country. I have to admit that since I live in the city, with access to certain luxuries, I forget that a lot …

Filipinos are generally simple; bound by traditions and held back by superstitions (IMO) — perhaps attributed to its religious nature. Anyway, noting our National Costumes: the Baro’t Saya and the Barong, these pieces somewhat says it all. Though it offers formality, one can’t deny that they still lack the sophistication of a cocktail dress and the sleekness of a suit, respectively. But that’s how our country’s fashion was founded — in simplicity and modesty.
That’s probably why a lot of Philippine fashion designers excel in gowns, I’m guessing it’s an extreme …

There are many and different things about our country that’s worth noting. The country has tremendously wonderful lanscapes, awe-inspiring and rich culture and is filled with creative individuals who endeavour to encapsulate that beauty and present it to the rest of the world.
Design inspirations that are founded in what makes the Filipino unique is worthy of our support. We can get ideas from our simple roots and find ways to celebrate our way of life. And for those who take the risk out of sheer love and patriotism, successful …

Sometimes, the reason why I’m not all too excited about checking out collections from local designers is, it can be expected that I’ll just be seeing gowns with elaborate and intricate designs, accents and embellishments. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I find them bland or poorly made, in fact, it’s the opposite. Most works are enchanting and wonderful. It’s something to be admired and be proud of.
However, Philippine fashion isn’t all about cocktail parties, heck, folks in Manila hardly dress formal. Gowns are saved for debutantes, brides, Reyna …

I just have to say this (again), the clip’s awesome! Love the concept. Love the cinematography. I even love the hair! Of course, how can I possibly miss it, I love the gown! I absolutely hearted the rosette appliques and the fluid skirt. Very romantic.
Personally, I think fashion designers should look into doing this sort of thing for their collections. It gives us a better idea of how their creations will look like when worn in real life. You can admire how details, cuts and drapes highlight frame, length and …

I came across this event over at Facebook early this evening and it definitely caught my attention. Through it I learned that premier bag designer Amina Alunan-Aranaz had worked together with the empowered women of Payatas in her latest bag collection. Working her magic, the collection will showcase the fusing of scrap materials with her signature mother of pearl components and handcrafted techniques to bring into life an ultra stylish yet sustainable set.
Witness the unveiling of eco-ethical style as Rags2Riches presents its 2009 designer line: RIIR by ARANAZ. An exhibit …