November 24, 2011

BRIGHT IDEAS POP

Unlike standard black and brown silk tube socks, a colorful pair ( I got 4 pairs in red, pink, old rose and aquamarine) of statement socks need not be matchy-matchy. Trust me, it goes with anything.

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(A good pair of socks can be that needed detailing to help add personal touches to your fashion style, and separate yourselves from the masses. At Brighterman, they aim to provide you with a great range of men's socks from Gene Meyer to Gabicci.)


And oh, two and one fourth yards of plaid lime green 100% Japanese cotton wouldn’t hurt too. Must drop by my tailor soon.

BACK TO WHITE

My sister and I are currently on the process of renovating our flat and Lucy Chadwick’s flat in New York just inspired us to paint it crisp white all over again.

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Now, how to hoard some of the paintings I did way back from my friend’s gallery?

November 14, 2011

POCKET HIDE AND SEEK AND STEVEN ALAN

One thing I hate about myself when shopping and yes, I know this isn’t the healthiest thing to do but hey, if you wake up in the middle of the night and you’re still thinking about that shirt you saw earlier at the store, then you should probably come back and buy it the first thing next day, which exactly what I did!

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(This Steven Alan reverse seam blue gingham shirt is made out of 100% Cotton and proudly made in the USA)

This Steven Alan shirt blue gingham reversed seam shirt has an interesting twist on the placket and features a hidden breast pocket (I really thought the pocket was accidentally sewn inside) sewn on the inside instead of outside.

And to make things weirder, the shirt I got myself is the exact same shirt Izzy of The Dandy Project bought a few years back. Haha!

November 10, 2011

STEVEN ALAN: FROM TRIBECA TO PARIS

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(The collection, which represents the Manhattan based designer’s French debut, provides an introduction to his unique fusion style.)

Recognized for his contemporary take on all-American classic design, Steven Alan - yes, the guy famous for his iconic plaid shirts with reverse stitching, emblematic of his distinctive fusion style is now available in France and is exclusively available at Centre Commercial.
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November 09, 2011

STARS, STRIPES AND MANNY PAQUIAO

Great style means having a new voice and not being a copycat.

My mom once told me that, “one is not born with style but can be born with good taste. With style, you learn.”

Growing up with a mom who had a lifelong affair with fashion is inspiring and seeing her through many transformations from her days in Assumption convent, which has kept her image fresh at 60 is pure class.

Like my mom (and yes, my dad too), my approach to fashion is simple and pretty much a work in progress just like my collection of silk and knit ties from all over.

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(VITTORIO J is an elite accessory line, specializing in ties, scarves, and pocket squares. This very limited tie is available exclusively through VJNY and retails at a modest $69.00 (plus shipping and handling))

Yes, nothing excites me more than Vittorio J’s limited edition Philippine flag inspired tie. The tie is 100% pure Italian silk and is a variation of VJNY’s Varick King Skull pattern.

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"Being born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 12, I've always had a special feeling towards the Filipino people and their culture. So it was pretty natural for me to design something with their flair". - Jesse Chao (Founder)

With Manny Paquiao's big fight against Juan Manuel Marquez this coming Saturday ( November 12 and no, it isn’t a national holiday haha! ), this is a great item to pick up and step out in style.

November 08, 2011

AIRPORT READING

I always get extremely bored at airports (I mean, who doesn’t?).

Solution? I make sure I grab a good material hours before boarding.

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(Last week was no exception and thank god for Page One and Bookazine, I got myself a copy of this month’s Monocle and The Rake.)

I should have bought more!

November 04, 2011

BASIC MATTER 28: PACKING LIGHT AND A COUPLE OF HIGH FIVES

I know a lot of business travelers often have the luxury of dropping off a few shirts at the dry cleaners and having them ready within hours, but not me.

I still seem not to understand the value of packing light for short trips until recently and for someone who takes forever in front of the mirror before deciding what to wear for the day, it can be fairly difficult.

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(Sartorial wet dreams at Ascot Chang,Hong-Kong!)


Yes, we all know it is easier said than done but hey, I finally did leave for the first time without checking-in my luggage.

Here’s what I packed with me:

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1. Dress shirts from Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt
2. Basic black leather-soled cap toes from Alden
3. Pair of red, black and purple socks from Uniqlo
4. Bespoke gray and black suit pants
5. Knit tie from Paul Smith, thrifted Japanese rep tie and vintage silk Armani tie in
paisley
6. And my go to preppy navy blazer

And oh, aside from the great view up at the meeting room, I still got the chance to go out and reward myself with more shirts from Brooks Brothers, Ascot Chang and Moustache!

Ok, still drooling over that pale blue shirt I saw last night at Kiton.