DARE TO DRESS UP - WK5

Week 5 update on my Dare to Dress Up challenge. Twenty days down. Ten to go.

Back story: I have another silly (but fun!) personal project: A 30-Day Dress Up for Work Challenge. I plan to wear dresses for thirty straight working days.

I enjoy being in dresses, it's among my simple joys. Aside from being easy to wear, you just slip into them, they reflect my "pa-girl" style. Every day is Date Day for me! So I don't have to wait for "special" occasions to wear one. Also, the personal challenge makes waking up for work a little more fun! Try it!


MY 30-DAY DARE TO DRESS UP FOR WORK PROJECT

Day 19: Sept 23

Second repeat: my denim dress (See Day 5).

But I used a different bag -- my new tan messenger bag from H&M, Beijing.

Day 20: Sept 24

Third repeat: my khaki shirt dress (See Day 4).

But I used a different belt -- my tan braided belt from Zara -- just to give it a twist.

**Week 5 was made up of only two working days because I was on vacation leave from September 20-22.

So here's the more important update: I'll have to put my dress challenge on hold. Last week, while wearing a dress, something in my office cubicle bit me. I'm not sure what it was but it gave me major rashes. With the dengue alert still up, and my legs being dress-unworthy, I've decided to wear pants this coming work week, Sept 27-Oct 1. If things are better next week, I'll continue with the challenge -- I'm on the final ten working days, October 4 to 15.

Wearing tights with my dresses is an option. But that would depend on the weather. Don't want to be in tights with the sun up. Sigh.

**Photo: runwaydaily.com

DARE TO DRESS UP - WK4

Week 4 update on my Dare to Dress Up challenge. Eighteen days down. Twelve to go.

Back story: I have another silly (but fun!) personal project: A 30-Day Dress Up for Work Challenge. I plan to wear dresses for thirty straight working days.

I enjoy being in dresses, it's among my simple joys. Aside from being easy to wear, you just slip into them, they reflect my "pa-girl" style. Every day is Date Day for me! So I don't have to wait for "special" occasions to wear one. Also, the personal challenge makes waking up for work a little more fun! Try it!


MY 30-DAY DARE TO DRESS UP FOR WORK PROJECT

Day 14: Sept 14
Gray, silver, black dress, People R People
Gray wedge, Schu



Day 15: Sept 15
Black tent dress, Crossings
Black belt, SM
Black boyfriend cardigan, Zara
Black ballet flats, Zara

Day 16: Sept 16
Gray dress, MNG
Black ballet flats

Day 17: Sept 17
My first repeat! Black eyelet dress, Celine
Black ballet flats, Zara
Wore this on Day 2 too.

Day 18: Sept 18
LWD, Celine
Brown Wedge, CMG
Pink / coral cardigan, Zara
Flower Ring

It was my birthday dress.


This time I partnered it with pink / coral...


Love my ring! =)

PINAY ON THE SARTORIALIST

I've always wondered if a Pinoy has been featured on The Sartorialist.

Finally, got an answer from Rajo's Blog -- Model / Ring Designer Girlie Benitez is "one of, if not the only Filipina to come out on the blog."

Her photo from The Sartorialist, shot in Hong Kong, back in 2007.


Love the color mix! =)

THE ONE HUNDRED – S

(Continued)

Nina’s One Hundred – S


74. Safari Jacket
Check! I think I have versions (I don’t have to take it literally, right?) of this – one khaki, one army green.


75. Sandals
Check! Gold, bronze, black.


76. Sarong
Check! Got very cheap wraps from Palawan and Boracay.


77. Signet Ring
Pass.


78. Silk Scarf
Check!


79. Slippers
Check! I love my super comfortable gray ballet flats-inspired pair from Debenhams.

Photo from my other blog, Out On a Date.


80. Spanx
I want one!

Fashion 101: Seven years ago Sara Blakely was selling copiers and fax machines door-to-door. Today, she is every woman’s favorite inventor. Her idea for Spanx was born out of a bit of frustration and a bit of innovation. One night, on an impulse, she cut the feet out of her pantyhose to wear under white pants. She discovered that she looked slimmer, everything was smoothed out, there was no panty line. So she cleared her bank accounts of USD5,000 and set out to change the world. Mission accomplished.


81. Statement Necklace
Check! My favorite among my cheap finds: a golden piece from H&M. [Photo: to follow] I’m currently eyeing a bib necklace from the local store Details.

Nina: The statement necklace is the fashion equivalent of a supporting actress that steals the show.

Statement Necklaces from the 2008 Oscars red carpet:

Jennifer Garner
Photo: bellasugar.com

Nicole Kidman
Photo: kenembijoux.com

Cate Blanchett
Photo: justjared.buzznet.com


82. Stilettos
Check!
They’re no longer my foot wear of choice since I turned 30 but I still have a few pairs.

Nina: Invest, invest, invest. The names you hear time and again – Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin – you hear for a reason. They know what they are doing. They know how to create a classic, timeless show and make four-inch heels that are actually comfortable to walk in. Geniuses, all of them. But genius does not come cheap. I know some people think it is ridiculous to spend so much money on a pair of shoes. I’ll tell you why it is not:

• Quality. Expensive shoes will last longer and wear better.
• They will not leave you hobbling down the street.
• You will feel incredible every time you slip them on.


83. Striped Sailor Shirt
Check! So French!
Now, if only we could finally save up for a trip to France…

Fashion 101: The proper name for the striped sailor shirt is the Breton, since it originated in Brittany, France. In Brittany, seamen have been wearing these striped shirts since the 1820s. The original was made of very fine knit cotton and protected seamen from the wind and the elements. The French Navy then made it part of the national uniform in 1858. It is thought that the prominent blue and white stripes served to more easily locate a man who had fallen into the sea. Let’s face it, the shirt was meant to stand out even then.


84. Suit
None yet


85. Sunhat
Check!

TO THE BALLET

My FB status last weekend: "Wearing my sparkly ballet flats to the ballet (Ballet Philippines' September Gala)." But since cameras are not allowed inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines, we had to settle with our lowly Nokia E63.

My ballet flats do not appear too sparkly here, hehe.

What I wore:
Lacey LBD, Forever 21
Boyfriend Cardigan, Zara
Golden Ballet Flats, Zara
Black envelope clutch, Fino

A grainy picture of a happy me...

DARE TO DRESS UP - WK3

Week 3 update on my Dare to Dress Up challenge. Thirteen days down. Seventeen to go.

Back story: I have another silly (but fun!) personal project: A 30-Day Dress Up for Work Challenge. I plan to wear dresses for thirty straight working days.

I enjoy being in dresses, it's among my simple joys. Aside from being easy to wear, you just slip into them, they reflect my "pa-girl" style. Every day is Date Day for me! So I don't have to wait for "special" occasions to wear one. Also, the personal challenge makes waking up for work a little more fun! Try it!



MY 30-DAY DARE TO DRESS UP FOR WORK PROJECT
(I still have not repeated dresses during the three weeks. Yey!)


Day Ten: Sept 6
Army green shirt dress, Zara
Gold flats
Gold loops, Brown cocktail ring

Dress' photo from my Salute to Military Fashion blog entry, Aug2010.



Day Eleven: Sept 7
Navy dress, Soho
Bronze studded gladiators
Gold loops, Gold and silver bangles.

Dress' photo from my Singapore Spring Festival blog entry, May 2010.



Day Twelve: Sept 8
A-line LBD, Zara
Black flats, Zara
Chanel-inspired earrings


Day Thirteen: Sept 9
Lavender floral dress
Gold flats

Dress' photo from my Goodbye, Summer blog entry, June 2010.



**Sept 10 is a holiday.

THE ONE HUNDRED - P, Q, R

(Continued)

The One Hundred – P, Q, R

62. Pajamas
Check! My only pair's from my Mom.


63. Pea coat
Check!

My pea coat from Zara, HK Avenue of Stars, Dec2009

What makes the pea coat so desirable? It’s the unfussy practicality about it. Each feature – the warm wool, the double-breasted front, the big buttons (best when anchor-stamped, of course), and those divine oversized lapels – was chosen by the Navy for function, not fashion.


64. Pearl Necklace
Check!

Trivia:
1996: Jackie O’s USD80 strand of fake pearls sold at auction for USD 211,500.


65. Pencil Skirt
Check!

Nina’s Tips:
•The hemline should fall just below or just above the knee.
•It is most flattering when work with sky-high heels.
•Try a high-waisted version to elongate the line of the body.
•It should always be snug but never too tight.
•It should have a vent or it could be hard to walk or sit. Be mindful of such tailoring.
•A little starch in the fabric makes it immeasurably easier to wear.


66. Perfume
Check!

For daytime, I use cologne. I’m attracted to vanilla-based scents.
I use perfume only to formal events. I have no signature perfume yet, I’ve been experimenting.


67. Plain White Tee
Check! Mine are from Zara, Mango, Gap and Bench.


68. Polo Shirt
Check!

The polo shirt was strictly athletic wear until Rene Lacoste, an international tennis champion, asked a friend to design a short-sleeve cotton-knit shirt to wear on the court. Before the Lacoste shirt was made, tennis was played in uncomfortable long sleeved woven shirts. Lacoste’s nickname was “le crocodile,” and so the little croc was placed on the left breast as the logo. This is reportedly the first instance of a brand logo being sewn on the outside of a piece of clothing. We’ve not been without that adorable crocodile ever since.


69. Pucci
None yet.


70. Push-Up Bra
Check!


71. Quality Champagne
Someday.


72. Red Lipstick
Check!


73. Robe
None yet.

THE ONE HUNDRED – M,N,O

(Continued)

Nina's One Hundred - M,N,O


52. Mad Money
None yet.

Nina: Mad Money is the spare fifty-dollar bill you should keep in the secret pocket of your purse or wallet. Place it there and forget about it. You are allowed to spend it only in an emergency, and as soon as you spend it, you must replace it.


53. Man’s White Shirt
Check!

Great Moments in Men's White Shirts

1953: Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday
Photo: annweiser.blogspot.com


1956: Elizabeth Taylor in Giant
Photo: web.ukonline.uk


1990: Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman
Photo: Eonline.com


1994: Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction
Photo: 90s411.com


1998: Sharon Stone on the red carpet at the 70th Annual Academy Awards
Photo: afemmeduncertainage.blogspot.com



54. Mary Janes
Mine are flats. I doubt if they count.

Fun Fact: Mary Janes became popular in the ‘20s and ‘30s, when hemlines rose and there was more of an emphasis on the shoes. Mary Janes became a favorite because they looked great and you could dance in them, a necessary feature in the ‘20s.

Nina’s tips:
•It is best in patent, but why not try velvet or an animal print?
•They should have a bit of an edge. A sky-high heel and pointed toe, maybe studs. They cannot be purely sweet and demure.
•It is best if the strap is thin, so it doesn’t cut off the leg.

What’s in a name? The name comes from a comic book character, Mary Jane, who wore strapped shoes in the Buster Brown comic trip. Mary Jane’s brother, Buster Brown, also had a shoe named after him.


55. Minnetonka Moccasin
Am I interested? Hmmm.


56. Missoni Knit
Pass. Wouldn't mind having non-branded knits.


57. Monogrammed Stationery
None yet.


58. Motorcycle Jacket
Can the leather jacket and motorcycle jacket be one and the same?
I'm still saving up for the former.


59. Nail Polish
Check! c/o The Nail Spa
I switch between dark red and nude / coffee colors.


60. Old Concert T-Shirt
Pass. I'm not sure where I can get one. And if I want to get one.
Vintage-themed shirts are enough for me.


61. One-Piece Swimsuit
Check! Mine’s a black Nike suit.

NINA's NEW BOOK

Yahoo! Finally have a copy of Nina's latest book!



In Fully Booked, Boni High Street, the #2 to #5 best seller spots (fiction category) are all occupied by Nina's Books -- "The Little Black Book of Style," "The One Hundred," "The Style Strategy," and "Nina Garcia's Look Book." Aside from the content -- Nina's books inspired me to start this blog -- I really love Ruben Toledo's work! Such eye candy.

Can't wait for tonight's reading time / me time. =)

THE ONE HUNDRED - J, K, L

(Continued)

Nina’s One Hundred – J, K, L

42. Jeans
Check!

Nina’s Fun Fact: The average American owns 8.3 pairs of blue jeans.

I have seven blue jeans, one black. I know how tough it is to find the perfect pair. I used to get mine from Topshop, Mango, and Lee. But I’ve learned my lesson – the only way to get the perfect pair is to have them customized. Thanks to my hubby for introducing me to Viktor and Defacto.

More tips from Nina:
•Do not assume that because a brand is expensive or a friend or a celebrity “swears by them” that they will be the right jeans for you. One brand does not suit all.
•Try a jean with stretch. A revelation and a revolution. [True!]
•Consider a white jean or a black jean. [I have a black one from Defacto.]
•Expect to have them tailored. It’s rare to find a pair of jeans that fit you right off the rack. [Amen!]
•Try out every brand, style, size. Seek and ye shall find.


43. Jewelry Pouches
Check!


44. Khakis
Check!

Khaki, the Hindi-Urdu word for earth-colored, was invented in nineteenth-century India. The British Army wanted to save their white uniforms from the windblown dust, so they began dyeing their clothes in coffee and curry powder. The fabric became the standard for British and American army uniforms and later became a favorite among the upper-class and preppy.


45. Knee Boots
Check! Mine’s brown leather, flat, up to just below the knee.


46. Leather Pants
Pass.


47. Lingerie
Check!

The big four necessities:

Camisole: Check!
To go under all the blazers and jackets

Silk Slip: Check!
To go under those dresses that are questionably thin or too clingy.

Negligee: Check!
To sleep in and feel amazingly sexy when you need something a notch up from your standard pajamas.

Silk Stockings: None yet
To drive men wild. Forget sex toys, these are all you need? [Me: Really?]


48. Little Black Dress
Check! I have nine.

Nina: No matter what the cost, buy it. It may be H&M or it may be Alaia. The price is immaterial, since it can always be justified by the rules of fashion math: cost divided by number of times worn equals priceless. It will be there time after time, decade after decade.

Nina’s Tips:
• Choose the best material you can find (not all are created equal) and nothing too tight or too shiny.
• Consider your LBD a blank canvas instead of a fallback. It demands to be accessorized and adorned.
• To avoid being accused of playing it safe, make sure you have a dash of daring (a dangerous stiletto, bold jewelry, etc.), and make sure it shows off your best assets.
• Remember, the reason the simple garment is so enduring is because it understands the essence of style: to step back and let the woman shine. So shine.
• It is said that you need only one, but a minimum of two is a better guideline.
• Make sure you can dance in it.













49. Little White Dress
Check! See My Bday Dress entry.


50. L.L. Bean Tote
None yet. Nina says nothing is too heavy for this bag. As a big bag person, I guess I need one.


51. Luggage
Check!

DARE TO DRESS UP - WK2

An update on my Dare to Dress Up entry last week. Nine days down. Twenty-one to go.

Back story: I have another silly (but fun!) personal project: A 30-Day Dress Up for Work Challenge. I plan to wear dresses for thirty straight working days. (Of course, I'm allowed to repeat clothes! But for Week 2, I haven't.)

I enjoy being in dresses, it's among my simple joys. Aside from being easy to wear, you just slip into them, they reflect my "pa-girl" style. Every day is Date Day for me! So I don't have to wait for "special" occasions to wear one. Also, the personal challenge makes waking up for work a little more fun! Try it!


MY 30-DAY DARE TO DRESS UP FOR WORK PROJECT

Day 6: Aug 31
(Aug 30 was a holiday)
Brown checkered dress from The Landmark
Brown flats, Zara




Day 7: Sept 1
Blue spaghetti strapped dress from Taipei
Navy boyfriend cardigan, Zara
Brown flats, Zara




Day 8: Sept 2
Black and white striped dress, People R People
Black boyfriend cardigan, Zara
Black ballet flats, Zara





Day 9: Sept 3
Lavender A-line dress, H&M
Black boyfriend cardigan
Black ballet flats
MNG necklace & pendant









PS
I took the photos after the end of each day kaya lukot-lukot na, hehe. I have no time in the morning.

THE ONE HUNDRED - I

(Continued)

Nina's One Hundred - I

I

40. Investment Bag
Still saving up for these.

Nina: This is the bag that you can spend a few weeks' salary on and not feel guilty. It is going to last you a lifetime, will never go out of style, and will only get better with age.


The Chanel 2.55
Coco Chanel's iconic bag was launched in February of 1955, hence the moniker, 2.55. Each feature of the bag -- from the lining to the shoulder strap -- reveals a bit about Mme Chanel. The brown lining is the color of the uniform from the convent where she grew up. The inside zippered compartment on the front flap is where she hid her love letters. The back outside flap is where she stashed extra money. The shoulder straps, which were quite uncommon on luxury items at the time, are there because Mme Chanel saw nothing unfeminine about having her hands free.


[Photo: moggybelle.wordpress.com]


LV Speedy
The Louis Vuitton Speedy has been around since 1933 and remains LV's most iconic bag. It is often referred to as the doctor's bag for its resemblance to an old doctor's bag. The classic version has the interlocking LV monogram, but it can also be found in plain leather or with a checkerboard pattern. It is available in three sizes: the Speedy 25 (10" x 7"), the Speedy 30 (12" x 8"), the Speedy 35 (14" x 9"). The Speedy 30 is by far the most popular.


[Photo: starstyleinc.com]


The Jackie O
It was Jackie O who made the hobo bag famous, as she carried the double strapped version everywhere. Women flooded the Gucci stores and badgered the salesclerks for "the bag that Jackie O always wears," which prompted the company to dub the bag the "Jackie O."


[Photo: sharonrosepixie.blogspot.com]


The Birkin
During a 1981 airplane flight, Jane Birkin's over-stuffed purse spilled out into the vicinity of Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes, which gave Mr. Dumas-Hermes an idea. Three years later, Hermes introduced a bag that was based on an 1892 design. It was large and meant to accommodate Jane Birkin's modern lifestyle.

[Photo: wunnyhunny.blogspot.com]


Victoria Beckham seems to have The Birkin in all colors!

[Photo: trend911.com]


[Photo: birkinwatcher.blogspot.com]


[Photo: bagbliss.com]


41. iPod
Check!
See my Early Bday Gift entry from my other blog, Out On a Date.

THE ONE HUNDRED - G, H

(Continued)

Nina's One Hundred

G and H

35. Gentleman's Hat
Check!
Thanks to my hubby's collection.
But they're not me so it doesn't matter.

36. Gloves
Check! One leather. One knit.
I use them when I travel to cooler regions.

37. Havaianas
Check!
My brown pair has been with me for five years now.
They're still butter-soft after all these years.



38. Hobo Bag
Still looking for one.

39. Hoop Earrings
Check! Got them in silver and gold, in small and big hoops.

THE ONE HUNDRED - F

(Continued)

Nina's One Hundred - F

F

32. Fishnets
None.

33. Frye Harness Boot
Pass.




34. Fur.
I've got a cardigan with faux fur collar. Wonder when I'll get to wear it again...

Great Moments in Fur

1953: Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Becall in How to Marry a Millionaire


2001: Gwyneth Paltrow in The Royal Tenenbaums


2006: Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada

THE ONE HUNDRED - E

(Continued)

Nina's One Hundred - E

E

29. Espadrilles
Had one when I was a kid. If they're really cheaper in Spain, then I'll get a pair if and when we finally save up for the European Trip. There's a store that sells espadrilles in Podium. But I'm not too hot to buy. I can wait. =)


30. Evening Gown
Check!

My recent purchases are in red. See my Wedding Weekend blog entry, May2010.



31. Exotic Skin Bag
Check!

Nina: The appeal of an exotic skin bag is that it will make you look instantly luxe. An exotic skin bag is the anti-"It" bag, which is reason enough to buy two.

My exotic skin bag #1 from the local leather store Fino




Exotic skin bag#2, also from Fino