Your favorite brands are on sale at Trinoma:

Aerosoles, Anne Klein, Anne Klein Watches, Bass, Beauty Bar, Beka, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Underwear, Charriol, Citre Shine, Conair, Debenhams, Denman, Dep, Designer Fragrances, DKNY Jeans, Ecco, Fruits and Passion, Gap, Hawaiian Tropic, Jack Nicklaus, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Liz Claiborne, Marks & Spencer, Max Factor, Mexx, Nine West, Oka B, Polo Ralph Lauren, Princess, Rowenta, Springfield, Tefal, Zero Frizz

After my trip to Davao in 2006, I had to fly to Baguio the very next day.  Since Asian Spirit was the only airline that flies to Baguio, I had no choice.  I wasn’t really too keen on flying via Asian Spirit because I’ve heard horrible stories from some friends.  Anyhow, instead of traveling the long way by land, I opted to go by air.

I cannot even begin to relive the experience of flying through mountains of Baguio and how fast and scary the landing was.  Anyway, I was still dazed from the flight that I didn’t notice that my luggage had a huge crack on it!  I only found out in the cab on the way to the hotel when I looked at my luggage (most cabs if not all, in Baguio, are FX so my luggage was at the back of the SUV).

Upon my return to Manila, I immediately checked if my warranty covers the case.  Unfortunately it doesn’t.  I wanted to buy a replicate but it was out of stock.  I was really sad.  A few days later, I found my luggage all taped up like it was new!  I think my dad taped it or had someone tape it so I can still use it.  And I have.  I’ve been to General Santos with that luggage.  But when I was prepping to use it for Ad Congress last year, I noticed it had a larger crack and a small part on the upper portion chipped off.  Not relenting, I taped the crack part on my own with some Beach Bum stickers.  It held up during the 4-day stay in Subic.

As I hauled the luggage out of the dark corner in my sister’s room, I noticed that it looked like it had Malaria or something.  It really looked downbeat.  I really love that luggage and couldn’t let go of it so I put more tapes and masked the cracks.  I brought it to Hong Kong.

When we arrived Hong Kong via PAL, the left upper portion had also come off.  I was beating myself up for not checking it in as FRAGILE.  Bubba kept shaking his head and nagged about how he has asked me to change my luggage throughout last year.  I know I know I should have listened.  But the penny-pincher in me won.

I flew back to Manila on my own because Bubba had to stay 2 more days with his family.  When I checked my luggage in, I specifically asked them to mark it FRAGILE.  The counter attendant was puzzled but she did follow instructions.  I wonder why she was bewildered as my luggage looked like it was going to faint any time soon.  While waiting for boarding, I surveyed the luggage they sell at the airport lounge.  I like Samsonite but they don’t have any flat surface interior and my OC-ness compels me to get one that has.

When they released my luggage, it was missing one wheel and the whole back part was totally damaged.  It took me quite a while to drag it from the release area to where my mom picked me up because it was making such a horrible screeching sound on the floor.  That incident really prompted me to buy a luggage the next chance I get the free time to go shopping, which was the following week.

I’ve visited Travel Club in Greenhills and Megamall.  Finally, I found just the perfect item.  Elle’s line of luggage and travel bags is very extensive.  I fell in love with three designs but only settled to buying one.  It burned a hole in my pocket since the luggage cost PHP 9,500.  Good thing I got a PHP500 discount

The one I bought looked like the long lost twin of my old mutilated luggage.  CW was against me buying another hard case but I just love hard cases –and having one in color pink didn’t hurt at all.  *Sheepish smile* 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/476/08_0616-_Random_Stuff  

Well, it’s one for the money.  Two for the show.  Three to get ready.  Now, go cat go!

But don’t you, step on my blue wade shoes.  Well, you can do anything.  But lay off my blue wade shoes.

Well you can knock me down.  Step on my face.  Slander my name.  All over the place.

Well, do anything that you want to do, uh huh.  Honey, lay off of my shoes.

(It’s actually gray with a blue detail… Bejeweled!)

PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK SHOW SCHEDULE OF BACKSTAGE DESIGNERS

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/100/YDG_Fashion_Week_2006  

(Photo courtesy of http://www.modistabyelle.com)

“It’s not the right size!” is the common fashion dilemma of Pinays since our sizes are usually categorized as only small, medium or large.  Can you imagine the number of sizes in between small and medium or between medium and large?  That’s why it’s so much easier to buy international labels as they have specific sizes that fit your actual frame.  Sizes vary from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and so on…  To make things worse, sometimes local labels only have one available size –the free size!!!

Tube tops shouldn’t be exposing half of your breasts.  You shouldn’t need to wear an inner blouse to cover the really low neckline of your dress.  One shouldn’t keep folding the cuff of his pants because it’s just too long.  In fashion, there shouldn’t be such a thing as one size fits all.  Clothes should be made to fit your body.  Modista By Elle is the one answer that fits all size problems.

 Modista By Elle Client Guide (4 easy breezy steps!) 

1. Select a style from their collection

Their current collection is divided into five distinctive designs: New Jersey, Vanity Blueprints, Blocks Unprinted, Checked Republic and Work and Play.

2. Select a fabric
3. Get your measurements
4. A style made to fit.  Once it’s done, you can pick it up from their store location or have it shipped.

Now you can choose your favorite style, have it done on the fabric of your choice and something that fits you like a glove –if that’s the fit you want. 

They offer free shipment nationwide for a minimum purchase of PHP1500.  Definitely frees us ladies on the go from the hassle of going to the location or the payment of additional shipping fees.  Sweet!

I totally love their chic designs.  I’m itching to go to their store and check out their other pieces.  I hope they are open on May 1!

Visit their website at http://www.modistabyelle.com for more details or contact 09178338283. 

I first fell in love with John Herrera… ‘s collection back in 2006.  I first saw his designs during the Fashion Week in April of 2006 (Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/100/YDG_Fashion_Week_2006 )  Many local fashion creators of the Young Designers Guild paraded their extensive design lines.  John Herrera was one of the few designers that really shone big during the fashion night.

John is now an instructor specializing in fashion design in Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) where he was also once a student –then he was only but a beckoning designer, a jewel about to be discovered.  John’s twin on the other hand, Paul Herrera, is also making a name of his own in the accessories department.

John Herrera is tremendously gaining popularity in the field and rightfully so I should say.  Backstage, one of my favorite boutiques nowadays, houses John Herrera’s collection and as well as other local designers.  Dean and Trent and Team Manila are also available at Backstage.

John Herrera Black Gray Jacket PHP 1450 Original Price is PHP 3,000

Ming Ong -Jewelry-Sculpture Artist

Mobile: 09209521479

Tel: 9426219

http://mingkathangkamay.multiply.com

Email: minet_ph@yahoo.com 

Logic

www.logicclothing.blogspot.com 

JC Ulanday.  Managing Director.  09178198081 

Anthology: Second floor, Rockwell Powerplant

Backstage: Near in Different Books, Second level, Bonifacio High Street (but it’s actually in Serendra)

Top and Bottom: Nakpil St. Malate 

Fashion Week Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/100/YDG_Fashion_Week_2006

Backstage Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/422/08_0426-_Backstage

Rockwell’s Summer Series Presents SUNDAY SOUKA weekend market featuring food, plants and handicrafts from Rockwell residents, established favorites and up and coming player. 

We met Antz at the Rockwell Sunday Souk on April 20 for lunch.  It’s been a long time since I last saw Antz and now he’s even busier because he recently became part of the Lopez Group managing the Rockwell Club.  It was a timely meet since I also wanted to drop by the Lifestyle Bazaar happening at the Rockwell Tent dubbed as the Rockwell Urban Bazaar (April 18-20). Having only about 5 tables available for eating is what I didn’t like about the Sunday Souk.  I didn’t get to go around the market since I was so hungry by the time we met Antz… and my rule of thumb is, hunger first before anything else.  Antz had the beef burger while CW had the roasted calf, rice, and a slice of Brooklyn Pizza.  I had Korean Chicken Barbeque, Kimchi, Dumplings and Rice. 

Right after chowing, I strolled over to the Tent.  I bumped into my friend Mickey and Joyce who also have a space at the Rockwell Lifestyle Wing.  I found this cute paste ring worth PHP1,500 but decided against it since I just bought a ring last week (Gosh, I have been on a shopping binge for 1 month now.  The last time I was really into shopping was like –my whole college years AND my first two years of working.  I hope I have not developed the SHOPPING ITCH again.  Ugh, I so hated that and I’m not into it anymore.  There’s more love and fun in eating and cooking!  ANYHOO… going back)     Mickey and Joyce have a lot of good items and I mustered strength to get out of their stall before I start buying anything.  There were 4-5 stalls that had interesting items.  I am happy that local designers are increasing in number and their designs are really of quality.  I saw this blue green tube dress that was really pretty.  Damage is PHP1,200, but for the material used, I don’t think it was worth it.  But the cut was really nice.  And I have been looking for a new tube dress!  G-E-T A G-R-I-P J-A-N-E (and yes, I know how to spell my name. Bleh.)  I was really restraining myself to get anything since I bought 2 jackets from Backstage a few days ago.   

I stopped at Be and saw this purple polo dress that I couldn’t pass down.  And soon after I was buying something else -a wide black slimming belt.  I was on the brink of buying a blue tunic that had a hand painted design but good thing it didn’t fit me well.

The stores worth checking out! 

Be

1^st floor, 34 A Missouri Lane, Theater Mall, Greenhills Shopping Complex

3^rd floor, Club Fun Glorietta II, Ayala Makati

2^nd floor, Market Market Bonifacio Global City

Contact: Jojo 09178100574/ Rach 09209475280 

Lyn De Roca

Derocabags.multiply.com

derocabags@gmail.com

09175322252 

De Roca at My Pink Boudoir

146 VM Condominium Adelantado St. Legaspi Village, Makati

7528287

Luca, 2^nd floor Archaeology, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell 

Fuddy Duddy

Fuddyduddy123.multiply.com

09173288029 

Punto Bags

09178008108

puntobags@gmail.com

Puntobags.multiply.com