Whimsical Wednesday!

It's the middle of the workweek. Time to break it with a little spontaneity and playfulness.

Have a whimsical Wednesday!

Photo Credits: Diane Kruger by Matt Jones via stopandpicture.blogspot.com

Today, I am loving...

Today, I am loving... my purretty finds from Accessorize. Even their names (as I found on the online site of this UK brand) are purretty!

The Primrose Ellie Eclectic bracelet is more pink and girly than what I usually go for, but the assortment of delicate designs were hard to resist.

Tiny lavender elephant + turquoise seed-bead detail + gold chain = adorably cute, lucky pendant.

The Prancing Fish and Peacock pendants are just so elegant. It took a few seconds for me to recognize they were animal-shaped. The multi-layered hanging charms and the beautiful color combinations somewhat conceal the animal. But at the same time, they make them look regal in an unassuming way.

The postcard purse is simply fun. I can see myself smiling every time I fish for coins. The envelope design on the back was a pleasant surprise.

I kinda broke the bank with all these finds. But if fishing for coins now will delight me each time, I think it's worth it. I can't wait to wear my new purretty accessories! Just looking at them makes me happy! I just love simple joys.

Bracelet - P900; Fish and Peacock Necklace - P900 each; Elephant Necklace - P530; Purse - P600.

Photo credits: moi! I took these shots myself with my Canon S90 (in my opinion, the best point-and-shoot for indoor/low-light photos) with my purretty finds on a few of my equally purretty scrapbook papers from SEI and DCWV (Die Cuts With a View).

Accessorize stores can be found in Festival Supermall, Alabang Town Centre, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 3, Edsa Shangri-La, Robinson's Place Ermita, Robinson's Galleria, Trinoma, Marquee Mall Pampanga, SM Pampanga, SM Davao, SM Cebu, Ayala Cebu, Robinson's Dumaguete and SM Cagayan de Oro. I got my purretty finds from their Galleria branch. But you can check out their ware now at the Accessorize Philippines Facebook Page or at the mother brand's UK site.

magazine art

Who would have thought magazine covers could display such artistry? These subscription covers of Harper’s Bazaar are absolutely gorgeous. They are stunningly picturesque. The cinematic photography has so much flair and drama, making the covers incredibly enchanting. Totally different from their newsstand versions that scream “FASHION! New Looks! BAGS! Shoes!”

Isn’t the difference between the newsstand cover and their subscription version remarkable?

Interestingly, the subscription covers are reminiscent of vintage covers. There is a surreal and elegant quality in these old and new covers. 

I love how the May 2011 subscription cover with Gwyneth Paltrow (or Renee Zellweger in December 2007) captures the glamour and opulence of the 1950's covers.

But really, the cornerstone of vintage covers is really beautiful simplicity. They took it somewhat to the extreme back then.

Nevertheless, subscription covers have imbibed this simple, exquisite elegance, so you can hardly tell which is old and which is new. Can you?

I can already imagine the utterly stunning cover with Demi Moore and a giraffe on my wall, just like this one from Domino Magazine which showcases vintage covers. See how I altered the room (from french by design blog) with my favorite subscription covers.

Truly, these magazine covers are works of art!

Thanks goes to www.101gramsofeyecandy.blogspot.com where I first discovered that subscription covers are different from their newsstand versions, to http://stephanie.posterous.com where I found side-by-side comparisons of the 2 cover versions, to www.escapadeblog.com which inspired this post and provided many vintage covers and even the room photos, and to all my other sources of Vogue and Bazaar covers - old or new.

some polka dots i spotted...

art by Caitlin Shearer via Creature Comforts
layout with quote by moi

cheery front doors

There's something so inviting about a colored door. It seems to lure you inside.

Imagine being greeted everyday by a brightly colored door. Wouldn't it make coming home even brighter?

I wonder if I should paint my front door purple and frame my imaginary (since our front door doesn't have one) peephole with a yellow frame like this?

I can see it now... I'll be smiling everytime I turn my doorknob. :)

Photo credits: Red door from http://alifemorefabulous.wordpress.com. Yellow/orange door photos were taken by Peden Munk and the black door is from Domino via www.escapadeblog.com. Friends' peephole frame from Reel Art.

my pretend closet

This is my pretend closet - my imaginary dressing room of wardrobe ensembles I am dreaming of these days. Though am seriously considering ACTUALLY buying that Zara shopper bag...

BOARDROOM CHIC
1 TOP Studio Dinner Jacket  and Vest Top from Zara's March 2011 Collection
2 EARRINGS David Yurman White Freshwater Pearl with 18K Yellow Gold
3 BAG Plaited Shopper from Zara
4 MOBILE CASE from DVF. And as DVF.com says, "Your life is on your phone, doesn’t it deserve a little DIANE too?"
5 PANTS Narrow Leg Studio Trousers from Zara's March 2011 Collection
6 BRACELET a fabulous discovery of www.101gramsofeyecandy.blogspot.com: The Sutra Bracelet. 18K yellow gold Sutra link bracelet in bold size from DVF. And as eyecandy describes, "each link is engraved with the inspirational words: harmony, integrity, peace, abundance, love, knowledge, laughter, freedom and creativity." If that isn't a style piece, what is?
7 SHOES Christian Louboutin Newton Point Toe d’Orsay Pumps. Sexy, sexy, sexy!

DRESS-DOWN FRIDAY
1 TOP the perfect white button-down shirt is, of course, from... J.Crew!
2 EARRINGS applesofgold talks about hoop earrings as the oldest earrings ever unearthed by archaeologists. It was worn by royalty sometime between 2,500 to 3,000 BC and yet continues to be a fashion staple today. Timeless elegance. 
3 WATCH TS7900-1 from Chotovelli, an Italian brand that specializes in big watches. This particular one is 52mm. They have even bigger ones! And they're available in Manila now via www.italwatchmanila.com. I looove the camel strap of the one above, but it's a plus that you can find additional straps (for other color - and cheaper - options) for your Chotovelli E Figli Pilot Watch from the Asprey kiosks in many malls in Manila.
4 BAG this Mulberry Alexa in Oak needs no introduction after its sold-out status last year. It's in-stock again via Net-a-Porter (but this photo is courtesy of myfashionlife).
5 PANTS J.Crew Veranda Pant
6 SHOES Dr. Seuss Converse Chuck Taylors showcasing the stripes of the Cat in the Hat's hat!

CHILL-OUT WEEKEND
1 TOP striped fun from Zara
2 BAG featured in Massimo Dutti's 2011 Lookbook
3 BRACELET Oscar de la Renta Cabochon bracelet
4 BOOK Before Every After is a novel written by a Filipino and is soon to be released INTERNATIONALLY. It follows the story of Shelley, a young widow who discovers that her dead husband may in fact be very much alive - which would be wonderful if the bearer of this news wasn't her 32-year-old husband's 32-year-old grandson. Shelley's search for answers takes her from revolutionary Paris to medieval Prussia to ancient Venice, and finally to a place where she discovers whether love is truly everlasting. Follow Samantha Sotto in her countdown to her debut novel's release via www.theslightdetour.blogspot.com.
5 SHOES sandals from Zara

my pretend mall will have these shops (read: photos were sourced from):
www.zara.com, www.saksfifthavenue.com and www.jcrew.com.

What about you? What's in your pretend closet?

some polka dots i spotted...

What is more fun than a polka dot shake?

strawberry shake with marshmallows
serves 2

1 1/2 cups milk
2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup pitted strawberries
6 marshmallows cut in half

Place milk, ice cream and strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth.
Press the cut part of the marshmallows onto the inside of the glass.
Pour and serve.

Courtesy of the Spring 2011 issue of Sweet Paul magazine which I am absolutely loving!

"Simplicity is daring."

I chanced upon this site and was thoroughly pleased. Chance is a lifestyle brand created by former Kate Spade director, Julia Leach. I love what it's about. As the site so eloquently describes, it is built around the values of design, simplicity, personal style and adventure. The striped shirt, with its simplicity and timeless appeal, serves as the cornerstone of the Chance concept: a classic that travels the world, representing a relaxed, confident sense of style, a curious spirit and a minimalist approach to living and dressing. Chance is where American sportswear meets European nonchalance, where timeless simplicity collides with artful adventure, a carefree enjoyment of life with effortless grace.

I have half a mind to pack all my striped shirts and button-downs into a canvas tote and hop on a plane and explore the world. Travel, nature, music, art, cinema, friendship and family. The possibilities are endless. Hmmm, perhaps this weekend?

http://www.chanceco.com/

mixing it up

Surprisingly, this weekend turned out to be about being bold and finally starting a blog. So am inspired to pursue this throughout the rest of the workweek by boldly breaking some well-ingrained, but quite ancient design and fashion rules. (1) Gray, meet camel and brown. My instincts tell me gray can only go with black, purple or white. But all neutrals go together, right? (2) I am in this Muji clean and simple phase. Subdued gingham, stripes and solids. But the Aquarian in me has always loved a splash of color. And I never thought such a playful, flirty floral print could go with clean, striped lines. (3) Consistent with my "gray goes with cool, not hot, hues" rule, I struggle to mix silver with gold jewelry (or bag hardware). Resist old design sensibilities! (4) Am wired to think fresh flowers are for special occasions. But why not get fresh flowers just to spruce up my living room? (5) Now, I wonder if I can be bold enough to wear this fancy bucket hat I have but have never worn in the hot & humid summer weather of Manila?

What about you? What self-imposed rules are you breaking this week? Will you mix it up with me?

Photo credits: http://www.everythingfab.com/, http://deliciouslyorganized.blogspot.com/, http://101gramsofeyecandy.blogspot.com/

of dots & things

I have a weakness for polka dots. They're playful yet sophisticated (think Carolina Herrera and Audrey Hepburn). I love them on wrapping paper, bed linen and everyday plastic placemats (as opposed to the fancy ones for when I have guests over). Maybe on an umbrella or on cereal bowls? I haven't quite found a wearable dotted dress (though this one from Kate Spade may just be it). But I have been tempted by dotted lining. Bags, wallets and even coats - with their insides lined with polka dots - absolutely delight me! It's like a playful surprise just for me. And catching a glimpse of peeking polka-dot lining never fails to brighten my day.

This blog is not just about dots. It's about the little things, like polka dots, that make my life incredibly delightful.