All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

There’s truth to the adage that good things come in small packages. And, I must admit that I’m fond of collecting these itsy-bitsy pieces–from small bags and clutches to mini-sized coin purses and wallets. Recently, I’ve just got two lovely pieces in addition to my growing collection. One of which is this Mini Snakeskin Wallet I got from Mango.

When I first saw this whilst brushing along other wallets and purses, I immediately fell in love with it! I consider this a mini male-version of  bulky ladylike wallets around, since most male wallets I’ve come across with are really compact and small.

What sets this wallet apart from the quaint ones is its faux snakeskin leather in cream color which utterly spells fierce, yet the plain tinge keeps it simple sans losing the chic factor.

It’s also designed as a typical feminine wallet with dual flap button closure on opposite sides. It has a built-in card slot inside and a coin slot at the back in addition.

Coin Slot

Card & Bill Slot

Since the wallet’s really small, it could only fit at least one card inside the slot attached. Also, my peso bills can hardly fit inside the bill slot, so I hafta fold them in half in order to insert them fully. However, I believe the euro bills can fit perfectly, given their much smaller size.

On the other hand, I don’t think I can substitute this for my bigger everyday wallet, especially since I have a lot of cards (IDs, ATMs, credit cards, membership cards, etc) I need to bring with me everyday. But I guess, this wallet is perfect for special occasions that require me to bring a less bulky tote.

Price: around Php 750

Now that spring’s fast approaching, be sure to have all your colorful patterns ready! Give yourself a fresh-looking vibe by donning an iridescent garb, and you’ll surely pop up from rest of the crowd whose fashion sense was left in winter not-so-wonderland anymore. Yet, you don’t hafta keep your multicolored abstract pattern dresses from fall in your closet, ‘coz they’re still as “hot” as new come this season.

Of course, when it comes to multicolored and/or multi-printed frocks, it’s best to keep the rest simple. Lay off piling too much accessories! Or, go pick something which hue is pretty much close to your garb, so that it won’t go overboard with the rest of your ensemble.

Here’s some of my favorite picks from the runway:

This hot skinny pants from Balenciaga is one of my favorites, as the figure-hugging canvass is abstractly painted with an effusion of lines and patterns making such piece a masterpiece. Paired with a simple, basic black  sleeveless top with linear yellow trimmings and slides, you got yourself an alluring spring break that’ll melt the ice away!

Dries van Noten shows an opulent mix of patterns, whilst keeping all things simple Monochromatic wraparound long sleeved top is paired with multi-printed blue ankle pants. Finish off with black and white pumps and shades to give spring a retro vibe.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs sunny yellow belted ensemble with blue and black linear patterns brightens and revivifies this lolita.

All things are matching with this Carolina Herrera multicolored printed ensemble. Best should you prefer something that’s structured and spic and span in a most likely neutral hue.

I haven’t had a nice pair of rubber shoes for ages. I had a couple or three before during my college years, but disposed them already (well, I actually handed down one to my younger cousin).

Ever since I vowed myself to exercise, I started shopping for sportswear. The first thing that came to my mind was getting a new pair of rubber shoes. Some of my friends love jogging, so I might as well join them on the fun run. And so, without further ado, I got this cutesy pair of Nike Training Shoes after months of pondering whether to get one or not!

Nike Training Shoes in Grey and Pink

I opted getting one with a neutral hue, since it’s easier to pair it with other colors. I’m not really much of a rubber shoe person to boot.

Right now, I’m also practicing Bikram Yoga. I love Nike dri-FIT ‘coz it’s really, really comfortable even if you sweat buckets. It lets your body breathe, and keeps it cool even under warm temperatures. And so, I recently got 2 pairs of Nike dri-FIT pants, in addition to a pair of pants and top stashed inside my closet.

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Tsumori Chisato is one of the numerous fashion designers I like today. She has this unfathomable creative juice–mixing  cartoonish ideas & high fashion altogether–that I really envy and crave for! I really, really love her bold, playful prints that do not go overboard. Her collections are audacious yet  wearable, albeit most would only fit a woman-girl of my age–at max.

Her Fall-Winter collection mainly consists of multicolored printed tights and tunics, inspired by The Little Prince with the presence of stars and other whimsical storybook  prints and characters (do I see little twin stars here? ). Some colors are bright and shiny, while others are subtle sans losing its edge. I like this collection and  found it really cute, bubbly and uplifting! View more of the collection.

On the other hand, I got mixed feelings on her latest Spring-Summer 2010 Collection. Of course, Chisato’s signature prints are still the highlight of the whole collection, albeit it’s a tad bit subtler this time around–more like a Japanese painting. Also, notice how breezy most of the materials are. Texture, drapes and frills are conspicuously present in some of them. View more of the collection.

However, speaking of which, I really do not like this kind of draping:

It kinda looks like an undergarment, more like a  loose diaper.  It reminds me of Balenciaga‘s fall collection that fell short on my expectations — this one in particular.

Not sure if this one’s a sleepwear. It really looks like one! Unlikely to be a suit. I really wanna snug to fit in these, whilst tucked in a very comfy mattress with uber-soft Egyptian linen sheets having my fashionista dreams. I wouldn’t think of wearing this outside, lest people may think I just came straight from the bed!

Tsumori Chisato for Shu Uemura

In case you haven’t heard, the Japanese designer has teamed up with Japanese cosmetic brand, Shu Uemura, for the latter’s Little Prince collection:

The collection consists of palettes, a highlighter, mini brush set, lipsticks, make up bag and studded false eyelashes in its shiny, shimmery packaging.

I’mma include this palette on my Christmas wishlist:

Tsumori Chisato Planet Cat Couture Palette

A limited Edition Couture Compact palette that contains 3 Pressed Eye Shadows (Black Glitz , Shiny Silver, and Copper), 1 cream eyeliner (Black Purple), 1 cream highlighter (Gold Iridescent), 1 blush (Apricot Pink), and 2 dual-ended applicators (wide tip/narrow tip and cheek brush/liner brush)-Shu Uemura USA

Has a royalty damage of $65. Available at  Shu-UemuraUSA.com.

Okay, I finally succumbed to my Marc Jacobs bag craving.

I would have gotten a Planete, but I could not just afford losing this lovely baby!

Albeit I didn’t get a $$$ leather stam bag (just coz I can’t afford it/I’m saving moola for some prized gadget), I got this fab floral tote from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tate Tote is an old collection–launched around 2008 if my memory serves me right.

It’s a ruby red/purple floral print nylon tote with scrambled logo quilting and twill lining. Handles are of knotted detail. What’s nice about it is that it’s really big and spacious that my 14″ laptop can fit in. I think there are only few stores left that sell these pretty nylon totes in various colors and prints. Plain ones are available, too!

For my bag, check out Bergdorf Goodman today.

Former Chloe designer Phoebe Philo is back on fashion track as the newest fashion sage of Celine. Her three-year absence was due to familial obligations, as she became a full-time hands on mom to her children.

Now that she’s back, except something more of a Celine reinvention from this svelte designer, pulling off a fresh, cool vibe, or even much better than what she did during her stint on her former fashion house.

Finally, after two years (she’s hired back in Sept 08), Phoebe Philo finally had her first show sought during the recent Paris Fashion Week–all with an elegant ready-to-wear sportswear collection for Spring/Summer 2010.

Check out some of Celine’s exquisite pieces next season: (all images from Vogue.co.uk)

Celine Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2010

Cool Army Military Jacket + Black Leather Skirt + Chunky Nude Strappies = Neat yet Ferociously Chic at Large!

This Black waffle dress with a bow-like tie upfront brings a texturised femme vibe that’s still so Celine.

A fabulous display of nude military jacket with playful cuts paired with ochre leather shorts and chunky shoes is my current favorito. Much to having a more experimental garb this Summer.

Ultimate chicness and sophistication is a must in the house of Celine, particularly with this black and white ensemble.

Perfect workable wear, it is. Loving the loose trousers with black leather hems on the side. Consider white collarless top with a bell-like flair on the sleeves a timeless piece.

See the rest of the runway report here.

Thank God, I’m feeling a lot better! Going back blogging simply means I hafta keep my promise to post something new as frequent as possible. I hope I can stick to my promise into posting at least 5 times a week!

Anyways, a nice, simple thing to reward oneself is by getting a new accessory. I’m in the middle of recuperating from last week’s illness, and I’m very happy to say that my nasty, icky coughs and colds are reduced to nil. No more snuffles!~ Even the massive headaches have alleviated. Now, my mind’s all clear, and I can finally post something here. (“A” for effort in rhyming) Hurrah!

*Coach Soho Mini-Signature Large Wristlet in Pink/Natural*

First off, I got this Coach Pink Wristlet. I really find classic Coach handbags very, very classy. It sets a sophisticated vibe, and best of all, it’s far cheaper than Louis Vuitton’s. Okay, it’s not that I wanna get my hands off a fab LV speedy, hampstead or neverfull!

I used to own a classic Coach Soho handbag in brown, the one in a signature Coach monogram jacquard fabric and leather trims. So, I’m gonna pass getting the same handbag for now. I should’ve gotten a Marc Jacobs Bag (the Marc by Marc Jacobs lang, since the line is mucho cheaper), but I guess it could wait. Since my funds are depleted by the recent typhoon, I just got a Coach Soho Mini-Signature Large Wristlet in Pink/Natural. Well, it’s about time to add some color to my monochromatic accessories!

While browsing Coach website, I found this item really, really interesting. Tartans (popularly known as Plaids) are making quite a noise for a while. I’m not really a plaid person, so forgive me for the trend denial. It was just last time that I saw a pair of Lacoste Plaid Shoes, and now this:

*Coach Poppy Tartan Large Wristlet in Silver/Pink & Black Multicolor*

Retails for $98 only. =) Surprisingly, it isn’t so bad!

Okay, I’d still go for the classic jacquard monogram. How about you? xx

First of all, please check out to see how you can help Typhoon Ondoy victims that wrought the wrath of nature in the Philippines last weekend, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands homeless.

A tiny contraption like this comes as a great companion-slash-accessory especially for those who are having a hard time reading small texts, particularly in dim-lit rooms and candlelit restos. I got this Pocket Magnifier from Great Point while checking some reads in Fully Booked. I thought of making a purchase,  since it comes with a bright LED light, so I can simply sneak at night leafing my current read. It was kinda sad that they ran out of colors available, leaving me with only blueberry & bubblegum to choose from. And so, chose the pink one (picture shown on the left).

It really looks glam, so using flaunting it in public won’t be quite a problem (on the tacky/nerd scale)! Best of all, it’s really lightweight and fits right into your purse or pocket, measuring only around 4 1/2 x 2 inches (est) and just 1 centimeter thick. It can magnify up to three times, while the LED light is powerful enough to give you a pleasant sight even at the darkest places. I tested it with lights off, and it worked just fine. I could even use it as a flashlight!

To use: Just slide open to activate LED light and start magnifying. It will provide 30 hours of light on two replaceable CR1130 lithium batteries (which are  included).

*Great Point Pocket Magnifier with LED Light in Opaque Blueberry, Black and Cherry *

Colors are available in opaques (black, cherry, bubble game and blueberry) and translucents (cherry, bubblegum, blueberry, blueberry and plum. Price is $ 9.99 (Php 499 in Fully Booked).

Whilst most of us (consider me as one) are aching to see The September Issue, a documentary featuring the devil in Prada herself, Vogue’s EIC Anna Wintour, let’s take a breather for a  moment on the latest trends conquering the runways these days!

I featured 3 haute collections before from Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Balenciaga, where Parisian style, ruche, brocades and boudoirs dominate. Truly, I miss hitting the spot that fierce yet chic biker look is oh-so in fashion this season! Here’s a closer look:

All from Style.com

*Balmain for Fall 2009. This monochromatic garb is overall casual with white blouse, cropped skinnies, and girly pumps. Chained biker jacket adds spunk to this smart casual wear.*

*Charles Anastase for Fall 2009. Unlike Balmain above, Charles Anastase surely pulls off quite a statement with fur neckpiece, leather vest and woven cardigan topping it off with a statement tee and a pair of  skinny jeans. Tan platform leather boots is absolutely ferosh–something to love about this ensemble!*

*Gucci for Fall 2009. Gucci appears to be ravishing and scintillating with its leather cropped jacket, shiny button-down shirt, and glistening tapered(?) pants. Look is slickly finished with peep-toe shoes for footwear.*

*Jean-Charles de Castalbajac for Fall 2009. Red is flaming hot this season, and Jean-Charles de Castalbajac screams scarlet with this multi-zipline leather dress. I’m hearting the hair and the studded shoes. Absolutely winner garb!*

*Jean Paul Gaultier for Fall 2009. Extreme biker chick in stud, leather and fringe encapsulates this ensemble from Jean Paul Gaultier.*

*Rick Owens for Fall 2009. Rick Owens calls for a more futuristic look applying geometrical cuts on this nonetheless leather dominated wear.*

*Rodarte for Fall 2009. One word: SUPER! This ensemble from Rodarte melts my heart out! Ultimately tinged in ecru, the woven scarf, embellished top, gloves, loop fringed skirt, and thigh high leatherwear are just well put together! This is something to lust die for! *

Biker Jackets: Save, Spend & Splurge!

Here’s some of super yummy dark leather finds to choose from! (more…)

Yes, you got that right. Topshop Kate Moss Collection for Autumn/Winter 2009 launches online today.

Love her or hate her, it’s Kate Moss. Seems like our supermodel darling is equipped with Midas’ Touch, as everything she dons suddenly turns into gold becomes a trend!

Going back, you can now check some of fabuloso pieces of the present collection, which includes lovely Faux Fur and Mohair Jackets, plus this oh-so-gorgeous Jacquard Bandeau Dress in gold that I super duper like! Can’t wait for it to hit the stores, starting this August 27th!

Here’s a sneak peek at the latest Topshop’s Kate Moss Collection!

(All Images from Topshop.com)

* Kate Moss wearing Stripe Weave Dress – I couldn’t find this in the catalog, but it surely looks nice! *

*Kate Moss wearing Faux Fur Jacket – Fret not, ‘coz there’s animal justice on this ala-80′s pièce de résistance. Might put a tiny gash on the wallet at £120, but worth the spend ‘coz it could really pull off a ferosh ensemble in an instant!*

*Kate Moss wearing Triangle Stud Kaftan – This chiffon tunic dress in classic black gives us another option to own another cult piece. Price at £85. *

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