November 2008 Archives

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you know what that means Christmas is just around the corner. The spirit of giving is in the air and we will start shopping for gifts for people dear to our heart. So, I decided to create a series of smart gift ideas for guys and the ladies. Every week 'The Smart Stylist' will feature 3 smart gift ideas as part of '12 Smart Gifts for the Holidays'.

Modern, young and fun is always expected from Paul Smith. And it doesn't matter whom the gift is for. It can be your dad, brother or friend, Paul Smith transcends any age and never go out of style. 

Paul Smith Belts have a sense of humor and trendy styles. Great gifts for guys into music and arts. Like the guitar belt buckle for the rock n' roller in your life or a 'art noveau' inspired geometric belt for your aspiring artist. Paul Smith Multi-Color Cufflinks $130.00 Nowadays, ties and cufflinks are not just accessories for formal wear or the workplace. They add character and a finished refined look. For casual everyday look, fun and whimsical cufflinks and ties are the way to go. Have a dog lover on your list? Paul Smith has a pair of dog cufflinks ( $95.00 ) that are pretty cool. And as for ties, go for skinny ties. They are easy to pair with any shirt. Guys, ties you wear for work should be worn at work. If you're planning on giving neckwear to someone, pick one that is simple yet trendy and colors that are easy to wear.

Polka Dot Tie $135.00 Bluebee Skinny Tie $135.00

After seeing this heart wedge sandal by Marc Jacobs, I had a smile on my face. Marc Jacobs was able to harness all the creative innovative ideas spinning in his head and create a masterpiece of a shoe that is up to par with designs by master cobbler Christian Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent.

UGG Australia, the top brand for sheepskin footwear is having it's 6^th Art & Sole auction. An annual auction featuring one-of-a-kind UGG Australia Classic Boots painted by celebrities, athletes and designers. Money raised from the event benefits St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In the green world of eco-friendly fashion, the creative application of the reduce, re-use and recycle mantra is just beginning to bear its fruit. This week's Smart EcoStyle is a refreshing detour for the road-wary.

Alright guys, now we don't have to feel left out of the amazing shopping deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. French Connection is having a VIP sale for men starting today and ending on Sunday at midnight. The entire men's collection will be 20% OFF use code: FCMEN20 on check out! Hurry and take advantage of this promotion. Have Fun!

Happy Thanksgiving to All! Hopefully everyone is having a great holiday. So, now that we gained a pound or two. The best way to burn of the extra servings we indulge ourselves over

Thanksgiving dinner is to go shopping! Black Friday beckons and some of you perhaps know of someone or perhaps you yourself will be in line braving the cold to get the best deals out there.
And if you're not a fan of the cold, like me. Grab a cup of coffee take a sit on your computer and shop online! There are as much deals and steals you can get on department store website. Not to mention the online exclusive offerings they have. So, have fun and happy holidays! Here's my shopping list of places and I'll be clicking away starting today.

	» 50% off Leather Coats at Dillards.com »40% off select Boots at Dillards.com
	Offer valid December 1st&2nd only.»Save $25 on orders over $100
	»Buy 1 sweater and get 1 FREE »Buy 1 pair of Men's shoes, get 50% off the 2nd
	Offer ends December 1Free Shipping on all orders
	» Women's Boots for under $100
	» Get up to 70% off during the Saks designer sale.
	»$10 off orders greater than $50 USE CODE NOV08SAVE

I think Roberto Cavalli tried to create a new signature look with this kaftan, 'ROADKILL'! Oh my stars! Seriously, Roberto Cavalli struck out with this one. The dizzying, exaggeratedly overdone animal prints and unflattering silhouette left me an open-jawed, shocked into speechless reaction. I bet this had sale price even before it arrived in stores. And if my knowledge in fashion serves me right, most cover-ups such as kaftans are meant to add an element of sensuality, elegance and refinement and obviously to cover-up. I will feel sad if I see someone wearing this and ask myself, 'Is what she's trying to cover-up that bad, she had to wear something when at first sight all you want to is look away and pretend you didn't saw her?' Tear...

Roberto Cavalli Chiffon Kaftan Was $2,026 NOW $826.00 Vivre

It's not just the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie that brings joy and excitement to everyone. If you're a shopper then you should know what I'm talking about. Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Two of the biggest and most anticipated shopping extravaganza of the year. 

L.A. fashionistas flocked to one of their favorite shopping destinations, Revolve Clothing last Saturday for the debut release party of Costume Dept.'s capsule collection. This latest collaboration of Shawn Kaleka and Shaun Samson, the creative minds behind Costume Dept. with Revolve Clothing is perhaps a sneak peek of bigger things to come for the designing duo. When I spoke to Shawn a couple of weeks ago, I told him that they are putting leggings back in the fashion map.

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear Saks Fifth Avenue? Luxury, designer labels with high-end prices? It's these misconstrued impressions dissuades shoppers from shopping at Saks. And they miss out on amazing sales and promotions like the Designer Sale that started last week with discounts of up to 40%! And starting tomorrow say goodbye to 40% OFF, Hello 70%! Browse close to 900 items priced under $100 from top designers like Marc Jacobs, Vince, Dolce&Gabbana and many more. Gotta love the feeling from money well spent. Happy Shopping. Thank you Matt, for the great images!

PUMA 40's Duffel Coat $100.00 Puma.com

Puma Roma 68 Anniversary Sneaker $90.00 Puma.com 60th Anniversary 1950's Bag $65.00 Puma.com

It's PUMA's Party and You're Invited!

Vintage apparel, shoes and accessories will always be in style. Through the years we've seen looks from fashion's past were in again. But you should know, anything old is not necessarily vintage. Vintage is more on the feel and look of an item. Thus, vintage looks can be replicated today. 

How much would you pay for something that lacks creativity. Shame on you Fendi! For years, Fendi has been on top of their game by creating must have handbags season after season. But this time around not so much. Fendi has been pimping this logo tote for awhile now. Not only I'm tired of seeing this overpriced handbag, they are willing to put the brand's integrity on the line by adding a print like the Palazzo and call it something else and hack the price up again! Sorry, but this totally got on my nerves. It's uninspired work like this is the reason why Fendi is one of the most imitated brand of handbags in the world. Just go down Canal St. and you'll see what I mean.

Online Surveys & Market Research

High-end vs. Cheaper: Nordstrom Tissue-Weight Cashmere Wrap $79.90. Burberry Skinny Muffler $275.00 Cashmere has always been synonymous to luxury. Who would say no to the soft and gentle feel of wearing a cashmere sweater? It's comfort at it's finest. But is it practical? Cashmere apparel can cost up to $950.00 for a scarf and $3,000 for a coat. There is of course, affordable cashmere clothing available today but the difference is not just on the price, the quality is not all there. So, it begs the question: Is cashmere worth the cash? In my opinion, yes and no. Here are a couple of scenarios to better illustrate my answer: Cold weather accessories like gloves, scarves and hats serves one purpose, to keep us warm. So, it's not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on any of these. A $30.00 wool blend scarf can keep you just as warm as a $300.00 Burberry scarf. Be a 'smart' shopper. Keep an eye on store sales and specials. And if that cashmere coat you absolutely love doesn't go on sale until February 2009, there's always next winter! Cashmere will never go out in style. And always remember to buy things that makes you feel and look good. An ugly designer sweater is nothing more than an ugly designer sweater.

Cycle 11 Winner Mckey, flawless beauty.

I was screaming like a girl when my favorite model Mckey, won America's Next Top Model last night. Last night was a nail biter. I honestly thought Valley girl Samantha, will pull the upset of the night based on her fabulous performance during the Cover Girl commercial challenge. Annaleigh crumbled under pressure during the challenge and went blank and can't remember a single word of the script for the commercial. Annaleigh, nerves got the best of her. Samantha this season's runner-up has a bright future in modelling.

Jay Manuel's Pepto Bismol-Willy Wonka or what have you inspired runway you was quite the challenge. Considering the model were wearing 4" heels and evening gowns. Cycle 10 winner Whitney, opened the runway show and she was looking oh so fabulous.

Alexander Wang was chosen as the fifth recipient of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Wang was $200,000 richer with a year of business mentoring after taking home top honors at the awards gala last night in New York. Runners-up Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava and Albertus Q. Swanepoel of Albertus Quartus each received $50,000 and business mentorship.



Alexander Wang Apparel, Shoes and Accessories available at:

Statement worthy earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are in the spotlight for spring.Large scale, precious stones and tribal inspired jewelry parade down the runways of top designers. 

Marc Jacobs tribal inspired bangles and necklaces gave the collection a fabulous synergy. Louis Vuitton opted for tribal-chic jewelry as well, the jewelry were larger in scale with innovative designs.

John Galliano had big hair, big headdresses and big necklaces. I guess big things come in 3s. Gucci's 'Spring Exotica' collection complimented with amorphous precious stones.

For guys that are still shopping or those whom like moi, haven't started looking for a coat for fall . Consider ourselves somewhat lucky because there are some pretty awesome deals on designer coats out there. And for the record, I have my reasons why I haven't bought one. It's not procrastination, it's the L.A. weather. Temperatures during the day still hit the high nighties and in the evening, the coldest night we had so far was in the mid to low fifties.  I guess at this point , I feel there's no rush in having a brand-spanking new coat for fall. But with mother nature's unpredictability, it wouldn't hurt to have a coat handy. Here are a few deals on men's coat that I came across while shopping for one. Happy Shopping!

Kenneth Cole Overcoat $199.00 Macy's	Calvin Klein Overcoat $199.99 Macy's	Armani Jeans Jacket $248.50 Saks
G Star Isaak Black Jacket $182.00 Ssense.com	Diesel Jiuche Jacket $183.00 Ssense.com

Let's face it, not everybody can stay abreast with the latest fashion and style designers has to offer season after season. With that said... through the undiscerning eye, this Long Boot with Horseshoe Heel by Marc Jacobs would seem like shoe repair gone bad or you tried repairing it yourself. The horseshoe heel is pretty innovative though and Marc Jacobs is in the forefront when it comes to new, sometimes odd heel design. There's also the chance of getting stuck on pavement cracks or any surface the heel can accidentally latch to.

Marc Jacobs Long Boot Horseshoe Heel $1025.34 Browns Fashion

Beau Soleil creates sustainable clothing with 'Reduce, Recycle, Renew' in mind and focusing on fair trade and labor as well. Founder, Anne Salvatore Epstein's experience in fashion coupled with her mission to be kind to the planet and laborers is the foundation Beau Soleil stands on. Epstein uses fabric made out of bamboo, a sustainable material, vegetable-dyed organic cottons and vintage, tencel, which is made from eucalyptus tress, as well as recycled leather trims. Beau Soleil is a perfect example of style and function can be achieved when creating ecofriendly fashion.

Rieker eco-friendly Boot $119.95 Onlineshoes.com

Beau Soleil 'Beau Dolly' Dress $242.00 ecoTobi.com

This Beau Dolly dress is sexy yet chic with a touch of understated elegance. For those who are fortunate to live where fall and winter is not terribly cold, this is a great alternative to the sweaterdress which is a key trend this season. Pair it with boots or booties and you're Eco-fabulous!

There's nothing like a white Christmas but I know some people who prefer to celebrate the holidays in the tropics. Like the Caribbean or Bali. Nothing wrong about that. As long as you enjoy and celebrate the holidays with people dear to your heart. And if you are planning a tropical getaway for the holidays while everyone back home are freezing their buns off, why not up the ante and wear something that fits the island festivities.

Last night's episode of America's Next Top Model was somewhat predictable. Mckey and Analeigh secured their respective spots to vie for the grand prize.  As mentioned on my last post, Marjorie's nerves got the best of her and was eliminated despite Samantha's lackluster performance during the photo shoot. This girl also can drink! Hmmmm, maybe she should've taken a shot of vodka or something to calm her nerves down every photo shoot. Who knows she might still be in the running to be America's Next Top model if she did.

'Au revoir Marjorie' eliminated episode 11.

Retail giant Macy's is having a great sale on boots and coats! Save up to 40% OFF plus an extra 15% OFF when you use your Macy's Star Rewards card. And if you're an email subscriber you probably received a letter from Macy's president with a special code that can save you an extra 20% OFF! That's why I suggest my dear readers to subscribe to your favorite stores' email so you can get exclusive offers like this. Happy Shopping!

Ruffles are commonly used as trimmings on skirts and dresses. Bridal gowns and ball gowns come to mind when I hear ruffles. Honestly, I never favored ruffles. I didn't like the unnecessary volume they add on clothing. And when one of my friends told me earlier this year that Prada is coming out with ruffled shoes and handbags, I wasn't a bit excited.

All my presumptions of tacky, hideous shoes and handbags, I had to take back when I saw the chic, modern and innovative applications of ruffles. I was guilty of not giving ruffles the benefit of the doubt and underestimating a designer's capabilities. So, I stand corrected. Nowadays, I'm a ruffle lover! I particularly love apparel that has asymmetrical tier ruffle design.Thread Social has a collection of ruffle dresses that are so chic! The silhouette, feminine and sexy yet elegant.

Word of advice, there are still pretty offensive usage of ruffles out there. Use your 'fashion commonsense'  when shopping. If you think a ruffle top is ugly at first sight, trust your instinct and move on to the next. Here are a few items you can use as reference when shopping. Have fun!

Thread Social Dress $595.00 ShopJake	Prada Tessuto S Tote $995.00 Saks Prada Ruffle Ankle Boot $534.00 SALE Saks
Alice + Olivia Ruffle Skirt $440.00 Shopbop	Vince Asymmetrical Tiered Ruffle Top $195.00 Nordstrom

The start of the holiday season is just around the corner and invitations to parties and soirees will start pouring in. Most holiday parties are in the evening and cocktail dresses are of course the norm. But not mandatory. Black apparel will be the color of choice by most people and there's nothing wrong about that. 

Lutz & Patmos is one of a few luxury eco-friendly brands in the market today. Spearheaded by two New York women Tina Lutz and Maria Patmos, utilizes high quality yarn and wool, cutting edge technology offering chic sustainable fashions for the modern woman.

It's amazing that Saks has one great sale after the other. This week, Saks is having an Online Private Sale (store sale starts Nov. 11). Discounts of up to 40% OFF on shoes, apparel and accessories from top luxury designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Prada. Most sale items are from fall collections and there are great selections. Shop now! This sale ends Nov. 12! Here's a sample of what you can find on Saks Online Private Sale!

It's been a few weeks since I talked about America's Next Top Model. Quite frankly, I felt that the show was lagging. Then there's the new day and time slot change which totally confused the heck out of my Tivo. Last night's episode was the go-see challenge. The five remaining models had to navigate through the canals and streets of Amsterdam. This type of challenge is perhaps my favorite in the history of ANTM. It's a test of endurance, intelligence and you can tell which aspiring model can make it in the modeling industry. The five remaining contestants were Marjorie, McKey, Elina, Analeigh and Samantha.

I'm betting on McKey to win the competition this season. She delivers editorial worthy photos week after week. But she still has the commercial spokesperson challenge for Cover Girl ahead and if she performs ok then the title is hers. My other favorite is Marjorie, one problem is she always nervous and frazzled. If only she can relax. A little sedative perhaps will calm her down? My prediction, she will get the boot next. The dark horse this season is definitely Analeigh. She won the go-see challenge by default (McKey actually won but was late going back to the agency and was disqualified). She's on a roll! If she keeps delivering gorgeous photos and great personality she will be one of the final two models. I'm still having mix reviews on Samantha. It's going to be hard for her to secure a spot on the final two spot. It's down to the wire and she's facing touch competition. Elina, Elina, Elina, what happened? She is one of my early favorites this season but I actually got turned-off. I think it all started when she didn't like her a makeover which she used as an excused for not doing well in the competition. I also had enough with her 'know-it-all' attitude. I have to agree with the judges on her being stiff. So, it wasn't a surprise to see her go last night.

My bet to win this season of ANTM. Elina eliminated on Episode 10

America's Next Top Model has always been unpredictable. I guess we just have to see what unravels on the next episodes. Photos courtesy of CW and America's Next Top Model.

Most of you may have heard or perhaps, members of invitation-only shopping sites and communities. To be quite honest, I was disappointed with the sites that I was once a member of. Most of them were fluffed! The site features, like top designer brands, deep discounts, daily sales, giveaways, etc. that enticed me to become a member of their 'fabulous' and 'exclusive' community, were nowhere to be found. So, I've been apprehensive and mostly ignoring invitations to join such sites.

Just recently, I came across an invitation-only shopping community, ideeli.com. At first glance and the information provided on the website, I decided to give it a shot. And I'm glad I did! Expect to see deep discounts from top luxury designers like Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and more! Don't even let me get started on the fabulous giveaways!

ideeli is an invitation-only shopping community which creates daily online events providing members with the ideal shopping experience: privileged access to the most sought-after brands and products, often at privileged prices.

Ideeli is having it's Extravagant 4 Day Shopping Event! Starting today and ends on Sunday the 9th. Discounts of up to 90% off. Designers include Botkier, Christian Lacroix, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Nina Ricci, Prada and Sonia Rykiel to name a few.

That's not all! Check out this amazing Barneys New York Giveaway. Ten lucky ideeli members will be offered tickets for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Volkswagon Beetle, hand-painted by artist John Paul Phillipe, and a $50 Gift Card to Barneys New York. Better join now! This giveaway ends Monday!

I highly recommended my dear readers, to join ideeli. Its every 'smart-stylish-shopper's' paradise. Besides, having to much of a fabulous thing wouldn't hurt! Have Fun!

Number Nine certainly proves my point about how plaid can leave a bad taste in your mouth. And as a result, some guys (like me) avoid or worst don't even consider plaid as an option for their wardrobe.

When I was in college back in the Philippines, ROTC was one of my course requirements and I hated it with a passion! I disliked it to much that I almost flunked. I'm a 'Make Peace not War' type of guy. But I respect an honor every men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. There's one thing I love about the military, their outfits! I meant uniforms. Anyhow, 'dress blues' ( proper term for military uniform ) that are worn by men and women fits just right, not to snug and not loose. I guess for a lack of a better word, 'respectable' fit.

Nordstrom.com launched Jimmy Choo's Resort 2009 Shoes and Handbags Collection. As expected from Jimmy Choo, chic and fashionable designs that are definitely must-haves for Spring and Resort 2009. Brightly colored strappy sandals shoes and totes are stand outs amongst the usual black, browns and grays colors. I personally love the 'Poppy' Strappy Sandal. The fluorescent colored patent straps and translucent heel makes 'Poppy' one trendy and sexy sandal. Unfortunately, most items from Jimmy Choo Resort 2009 Collection are only available to pre-order at this time and will ship as soon as possible. Also, limited quantities are to be made available. So, if you want to get a hold these fabulous shoes and handbags have your name on a pair or two pre-order now! Have fun.

Fabulous e-tailer Shopbop is having a 2-day 20% OFF on Women's Tops! A great sale to get the latest apparel from designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Vince and Robert Rodriguez. So, hurry this sale ends midnight October 6!

Bravo TV's hit reality show and one of my personal favorites, Project Runway has become a launching pad for aspiring fashion designers. Winning the top prizes and named as 'The next big American fashion designer" is all fabulous and well deserved, but you don't have to finish on top to get that big break every aspiring fashion designer is hoping for. Because If you can deliver the goods, you'll definitley gain a new clientele or perhaps catch the eye of a wealthy investor that will finance your next four collections.

Rami Kashou Rose Top Available in Black or Wine. 

Leather-like eco-friendly handbags are perhaps the most limited items in the market today. This is due to limited raw and recyclable materials and possibly manufacturers are aware that faux leather handbags are and can be a hard sell. Since most handbags that are supposed to replicate leather or suede are not as fashionable as we want them to be.

As a believer that style and functionality can be achieved when it comes to fashion, its such a shame to see designers don't even try to deliver one or the other.