What's a Roxy Girl?

When I hear the brand Roxy, images of surfer chicks come to mind, add to that the movie Blue Crush starring Kate Bosworth. One weekend I was at Nuvali and checked out their newest branch, lo and behold - real surfer girls!



This is Roxy, who conveniently has the same name as the brand she manages. With her is Sprint Asia's Denisse.



Another au naturale beauty from the Roxy staff. I started to think, is fitness and beauty one of the credentials? Take note, all of them are either into surfing or wake boarding. Really cool.

Any lady who sees them will quickly consider to become active in sports if it will yield the same wonderful skin and physique like what these Roxy girls have. The store is complete with merchandise both functional and stylish.



The essentials of any Roxy girl will definitely include a rash guard and as I've added surfing to my long bucket list, I ended up getting a pink Roxy rash guard (and some other Roxy girl stuff). I mentioned this before, but rash guards are great swimming attire if you want to swim in peace and without worrying of nip/butt-slips what have you.

Roxy is not just about having an active lifestyle, according to Roxy (the cute brand manager). Roxy is all things fun, chic, and stylish too!



Here's a cropped tee I got from Roxy, as it was light and comfy it was perfect for a sunny day out with my one and only descendant. We DID have our own adventure :)

Aside from sports gear, Roxy houses a lot of comfy dresses in print, cropped shirts, bags, flipflops, and so much more. The items easily let you celebrate summer anytime at all - even if it rains cats and dogs.

Are you a Roxy girl? Check out their Facebook Page to know more about the brand and where to locate their stores.

SM Department Store Holiday Fashion

How many parties are you attending this season? One, two, perhaps your fingers are not enough to count. Holiday means reuniting with family and friends, frenemies included ;) So I am sure the big question is, what are you going to wear?



If you're smart you know you don't have to cut an arm and a leg to afford updated and chic cocktail dresses. And that's why I am sharing with you these ultra-chic pieces from (drumroll please) SM Department Store! Take note, most cost between Php 300-Php 1,000.



Gorgeous artistic prints will make you stand out instantly

And classic plain pieces is the perfect attire to wow. Match it with your favorite jewelry.

Below is perfect if you have "belofied" arms, I don't *yet*

I like this too, comfy and carefree look with the right pop of color

Which of the items above do you fancy? There's more inside the SM Department Store - I'd recommend the one in Southmall because it's newly refurbished. Last time I went, every ultra fasyon pieces were available :)

Shopping shopping shopping!

Fashion Armageddon? Buy less and only what you need

Last week, Patagonia challenged other fashion retailers with their Common Threads Initiative with eBay. "This program first asks customers to not buy something if they don't need it."



"If they do need it, we ask that they buy what will last a long time -- and to repair what breaks, reuse or resell whatever they don't wear any more. And, finally, recycle whatever's truly worn out." - says Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia's founder and owner.

I think times are changing, this is a radical campaign by Patagonia but one they can afford as they've been around for many years. We can no longer ignore how shallow it is to be killing animals, cutting trees, and polluting the environment just to wear the latest fashion.

With the financial crisis too, would you rather have your money in your closet or in your pocket?

My sister told me Marithé + Francois Girbaud once offered claiming back old jeans to exchange with new ones for customers. I am interested to know, and surely you will too - about other fashion brands who are changing the way things are.

Blogger's note: I am aware this blog is changing course and I'll just let it naturally :)

Peasant Look: Maria la del Barrio's Skirts - vintage, worn, recycled.

I am hooked on this teleserye starring Erich Gonzales and I couldn't help notice how cute Maria la del Barrio's skirt is! Check this photo from their Facebook Page:



Actually there was one episode I am sure the skirt she was wearing appears to be old clothes sewn together. It was very unique and took the peasant look to a whole new level. Now that I am all about recycling and tree hugging, I can't wait to start my own DIY skirt from old clothing items.


image credit: Hibari

The result will be a playful, flirty piece similar to Besty Johnson's :) I also found this inspiration here. See the lady in the middle is working the look I am currently hitting on.




















These are my own vintage skirts though not made of old clothes but they came from my mom's :)

Fashion: So you wanna look like a celeb

Not just a celeb, but a celeb in New York, possibly who sidelines as a stylist like my mother Rachel Zoe. Obviously I've been watching too much of her and The Kardashians (got my eyes on Kim) while drinking Coke Zero. Feels like a very bad vice ain't it?

But here's my personal lowdown on how to put together a celebrity look.

1. Quality - there are a sea of clothes out there but quality stands out. Quality in terms of fabric, measurements, and design. Surely you've experienced finding a style that stands out but doesn't fit well. Check the tag, you're right - you get what you pay for.



There's a reason why branded clothes are expensive and that includes quality checks and hours spent to get the right fit per size.

Above are some bcbg pieces I found on Bluefly.com who retails designer and branded clothes online. They also have bcbg shoes like below:





2. Stand out on heels and platforms - rarely do I find celebs wearing flats, indeed they need to literally stand out and tall in a sea of normal human beings. Boots are natural love for me but closed shoes are also flexible and more comfortable than open toe stilettos/platforms.




3. Accessorize with drama - huge Jackie O shades, glasses, statement necklaces
and cocktail rings are never out of fashion. Clothes are just clothes until you personalize them with your own jewelry.

Turquoise is tricky to wear but adds a classic/goddess effect everytime. Gold links add weight to light fabric and anything with pearls is a great contrast to dark pieces.

Shop for these pieces at Bluefly.com, they have international shipping so checkout the FAQs depending on which country you are in. DHL and UPS are their shipping options, superb :)

Fashion: Capes for the Rainy Days

My fashionable alter ego gets excited every time it rains. Layering, boots, and capes! Other cities have been there caped that but in Manila, seldom do I see femme fatales getting comfy in trench and twill.

I think their sweet and perfect, don't you? If you watched Little Red Riding Hood, plus points for you.


Capes from Diane Von Furstenberg, Sacai, and Nordstorm.

My international friends who study in Online Colleges can't live without these, they are fashionable staples in winter. Above is an attempt (yet again) to make a set in Polyvore, I just can't work it and wish I was signed up for online degree programs in graphic design.

Going back, these pieces are great with boots. Now don't be tempted to purchase cheap boots from the flea market (the truth hurts) and used clothing shops. First, they are not worth the investment and boots need to be sturdy, reliable, and comfy. Most I've seen are synthetic leather which can peel off during an inconvenient time. Embarrassing.

Wear the capes + boots with skinny jeans, faux leather tights otherwise it will be too warm, or even shorts + dark leggings. Now who wouldn't enjoy the rainy days when you are fashionably geared up?

Some stores worth checking out and might have these goods: Zara, Mango, Terranova, and Nine West for the boots.

On a side note, this post reminds me of opportunities in finding an education abroad where there are actually four seasons! You may want to check out http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ for some information on student aid.

My Nike Set on Polyvore: Rockstar Luck

Heart my set on Polyvore because everyone needs a pop of RED and a dash of luck.



Like my previous forecasts, this year is all about colours and even rockstars are wearing their styles bright. Thumbs up from me!

The red sneakers are superb in bringing about confidence and power. The printed tee same on Myrene in the poster, reminds me of a peaceful yet magnificent Japanese Coi fish on a pond.

Now get your rockstars on and try your luck with just do it.

Penshoppe PFW Holiday 2011

Let's take a breather and marvel at these photos taken by the Penshoppe paparazzi.



Photo by Jonathan Caballa



Photo by Joseph Yuso




Photo by Jethro Estacio

Biker chic fashion it is. Follow and LIKE Penshoppe Official on Facebook! :)

Nike Sportswear x Sandwich Rocks the Perfect Summer Style

Someone just nailed the perfect summer attire, I am not a fan, but it is Sandwich who recently collaborated with Nike.



The laid back, flowing, and rocker lifestyle fashion maintained funkiness and functionality. Just look at Myrene (whom I recall as my daily NU 107 DJ) sporting a simple loose shirt with white shorts, and a pair of sneakers.

This style is much like what I wear nowadays, who has time to work complicated clothes and dresses right? Or maybe I am just stressed but thank you Nike for declaring this as a summer style that rocks!



Enjoy the rest of the Nike Sportswear 2011 lookbook :)

Fashion: Ipanema at Philippine Fashion Week 2011

This is just a teaser of what is to come in the upcoming Philippine Fashion Week. Have you got your invites yet? This year I wish that clothes from the runway actually make it to the racks. Especially what's to come from Ipanema :)

Watch and enjoy!

Fashion: My Readers Rock Red Box | Ongoing Promo

Only 4 more days to go until the end of our Red Box Rock, Dine, and Roll promo! Here are the latest entries from my fantastic readers:



Tiffany Sy sent her photo from a rock band battle event

I remember I had rock band shirts when in College that I loved pairing with denim skirts. My sister Joni also had a rocker phase and she almost completed all shirts from Metallica and Bush. I love 90's rock music :)



and Rhodora Valdez sent her photo wearing her favorite rocker shirt

If you join this promo and win, you will be treated like a billionaire rock star and sing with Travis McCoy and Bruno Mars, plus all the other hit makers while enjoying delicious food from Red Box!

Again, one winner will win this package while 9 more winners will receive a free head charge from Red Box. I can't wait to rock, dine, and roll myself and treat my family and friends with yummy dishes like the must-try california maki rolls, and my favorite buffalo wings!

Whenever I am at Red Box, I can't help but focus on the food and the free WiFi. So hard to pick a song to sing, especially when I don't have time to listen to the radio. I'd stick with old rock songs then :) What are you singing if you win?

Rock and Roll!

Fashion: Swimwear Features Tattoo Art! Freeway Summer Collection

Nothing translates summer like than Freeway’s chic and trendy summer collection. In this year’s edition, Freeway once again collaborated with designer Twinkle Ferraren for its hand-painted Tattoo Swimwear Summer 2011 Collection.



The most loved and everlasting form of art and expression is reinvented into something more wearable. Freeway’s Tattoo-Inspired Collection is striking and definitely hot!



Tattoo lovers can take their passion for the ink to the waves or just casually lounge pool side while looking stylish. The collection inspired by tribal and tropical tattoos includes mix of strong with vibrant colored statement, sporty, functional and active-wear inspired pieces and cover-ups.



Swimwears are mixed with mesh materials and tattoos printed on the suit, perfect for those who love to try new sports and activities in the beach. Twinkle describes the collection as “a modern and female version of the Pintados and tribes”.

Fashion: Red Box Rockstars | Ongoing Promo

And here are our latest rock stars! Remember, the Red Box Rock, Dine, and Roll promo is ongoing and there are 10 prizes to be given away which includes a free rock star package at Red Box complete with head charge and buffet for you and your friends.



John Carlo Gertes says "Rockstar is in my blood. I love listening to rock songs and sing them with my whole heart".



And Ria Hazel with her Cindi Lauper outfit!

"I was dressed here just like Cyndi Lauper (with all the colorful embellishments) because she's the ultimate girl rockstar during her time. Oh and I agree that "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, so if I'd win, I can treat my girlfriends for a Rockstar Party! :)"

Thanks for joining guys! So far I only got 4 entries and I have TEN prizes to giveaway! Read the contest mechanics here. Rock on :D

Fashion: Delicious Fashion from Chocolate Clothing

Chocolate Clothing Company, the popular one-stop-boutique, has opened up a whole, updated closet full of mouth watering labels from major fashion centers worldwide, and given itself a fresh new look--a modern take on a "romantic boudoir" that is as inviting as any woman's dream closet.



The woman behind Chocolate's makeover is the very stylish and entrepreneurial Finina Tugade, who has happily taken over the reins of the brand from it's founder, the talented Ana Amigo, and is paving the way for Chocolate to re-establish itself as a mini mecca for everything gorgeous and fashionable, with up-to-the-moment labels that are not yet found in the mainstream market for fashionistas with very discerning tastes.

The new Chocolate Clothing Company has gone through careful editing (out with the old and in with the new!) and come up with a strong roster of labels that will appeal to every Chocolate lover. Sass, for the pretty boho, Fate for the sophisticate, Grab for the urban artist, Aztec Rose for the jet setter and Lolitta for the flirtatious, naughty but nice vixen that understands the power of body hugging silhouettes.



Chocolate also has it's own in-house label with fun and easy pieces for casual wear with a lot more jazz. Chocolate is on a continuous hunt for independent labels with a strong following so you can expect that their list of brands will grow, and with Finina Tugade at the helm of this great, retail adventure, you can expect a lot more sweet surprises in store for the future.

Check out the new Chocolate Clothing at Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, The Block, and SM Mall of Asia. I wish I can pay a visit and shop one of these days? Do you? Post your comments below and maybe Santa can hear you! ;)

Go Fickle Winners!

Congratulations Paul for winning the Go Fickle Promo on StyleandRelax.net! :)



Paul Perkin wrote:

I know I'm not a girl but there are no rules that men can't join here, right? =P By looking at those pictures, it made me think and wish that Go Fickle would also do something like that for men =) I find Go Fickle Wedges and Flats very versatile yet funky since it can be used on casual days and on some occasions. I joined and wanted a pair of Go Fickle Wedges because my girl is dying to have one of these and I also wanted to give this to her as a surprise gift on our anniversary.

We have four additional winners who get 25% off on their next Go Fickle Wedges Posh Set purchase:

1. Ava Te
2. Steph Tumampos
3. Sam Sanchez
4. Allison Gutierrez

And all other readers who joined gets 10% off discount until April 2, 2011. This is also the deadline for redemption of prizes.

Fashion: Red Box Rockstars | Ongoing Promo

Ana Gonzales and her sheer rockstar outfit

This promo is ongoing! And here are our first two entries, they will get a chance to win a Red Box Rock, Dine, and Roll packages to enjoy with their friends.



Alex Dizon as Adam Lambert. He believes rockstars hate colors!

1 Grand Winner and 9 Winners more! See promo mechanics here and hope to see all winners rocking, dining, and rolling at Red Box!

Fashion: Havaianas and the Matryoshka Design Principle

My sister Joni and I have always had a thing with Matryoshka dolls (also known as Babushka). When Gucci launched the Babushka laminated bag, older wicked sister had to have it. She did. I am more frugal but I appreciate Russian culture and the Matryoshka paradigm too.



Hence, these Havaianas Slim Matryoshka. oh-ha!

They are equally inspired by the mysterious dolls. But more than the inspiration, I always love Havaianas because I get away with them everytime. The brand is a license to wear tsinelas/ flipflops everywhere and anywhere, don't you think?



I remember in DLSU, we had a rule that you can wear tsinelas as long as they are worth P300 above. Okay don't get my diploma back, that could be one of those urban legends but I always hear it at Gate 2. I could wear these to school everywhere everyday, I have a two year old pair of Havaianas and it's boggling why it still looks brand new.



Lookie at the small Matryoshka doll embellishment, so lovely and cute :) Every girl deserves a pair!



With Russian inspired prints topped with a doll embellishment, the Matryoshka line will have everyone talking.

Mine also came with a real set of Matryoshka doll. FYI, the Matryoshka follows the principle of an onion. Notice how when you peel off the outer layer of an onion, a similar smaller onion is inside. Now you know.



Here is my 10 month old boy playing with the FREE doll <3



And my feet who have not tasted a pedicure for weeks look acceptable with Havaianas.

Get all dolled up this summer! ;)