NINA PRETTY BALLERINA!!!

My sisters and I are very close. Yes, we used to pull each others hair when were little. Now, we are like best of friends. My youngest sister Nina used to love to listen to the song, "Nina Pretty Ballerina." The moment she hears it playing, she jumps out of excitement.

Fast forward. She is getting married this coming December 18. I volunteered to help her find the perfect wedding dress. I found the most amazing dress at Angel Sanchez. He is a dear friend of mine. His whole team were so helpful in the creative process.

Yesterday, I accompanied Nina to have the dress altered. To my surprise, it was big on her. Hmmm, I bought her a sample size dress... so skinny.

I can't wait to walk her down the aisle.

TRUSSARDI 1911'S MASTER OF DISGUISE!!!

The military influence was seen in most collections in New York, Milan, Paris, and London. The best way to translate this trend is by using camouflage. Prada showcased different color ways of this master of disguise print.

I am obsessed with Trussardi 1911's accessories collection for Fall 2010. Not everyone understands the brand. If you work in fashion and an avid follower of the house, you know what I am talking about. 

I just love statement accessories. A print can change the entire wardrobe. When I get back to New York, I will order these pieces on line. I am a Taurus and I must have these pieces to vamp up my ensemble.

I am getting butterflies. It is the same feeling I get with Dries Van Noten, Lanvin, Pierre Hardy, and Balenciaga.

FULL BLOOM!!!

Recently, Philippine Tatler held its 9th Annual Ball in Manila. My very good friend and editor-in-chief of the magazine, Anton San Diego, invited me to come. I could not make it because I had so many things to do in New York before I head out to the far east.

One of Anton's co host is Tessa Prieto Valdes. Her sense of fashion is out of this world... in a POSITIVE point of view. For the Tatler ball, she chose to wear a gown made entirely of big roses.

She is the center piece of the entire event. The dress was inspired from John Galliano's Fall 2010 Haute Couture Collection for Dior. Who does not LOVE big ROSES?

She makes fashion so much FUN. True enough, she blossomed at throughout the night. It was the SCENT of Tessa Prieto Valdes.

TESSA'S DIOR HAUTE COUTURE INSPIRED DRESS

FALL 2010 DIOR HAUTE COUTURE

THE GRAND ENTRANCE!!!

SHOE FETISH!!!

If you know Pierre Hardy's creations, you must love shoes. He is one of the greatest, brilliant, and talented accessories designer of our times. I just adore and love his work. He knows how to make beautiful shoes. Besides designing under his own label, he also collaborates with the houses of Hermes and Balenciaga. 

30 percent of my shoe collection are from Pierre Hardy. I am so thrilled that he will be opening his first flagship store on Jane Street in New York City on December 8. 

I know for sure that the interiors of his boutique will be out of this world... MODERN. I am so bummed that I won't be there for the store opening. 

I can't wait to come back to New York and see his AMAZING creations.

TIME ZONE CHANGE!!!

I am on vacation mode. I needed some relaxation and inspiration for the coming year. I always make it a habit to travel during thanksgiving. It took me 16 hours to get to my final destination... Manila.

I had to a pop a valium and drink a glass of champagne so that I could sleep inside the plane. By the time I reached Hong Kong airport, I was little bit groggy. When you are bored in the airport, the only past time is to shop. I felt like a zombie because of the time difference... 13 hours ahead.

Every Christmas, I always give my niece a necklace from Tiffany's. Well! She is only 12 and I want her to start a collection of jewelry. 

I am glad to be home. I can't wait for my youngest sister's wedding. 

BOTTOMS UP!!!

Last night, I had dinner with my lawyer Lourdes Matters at the Monkey Bar. We were joined by Mariko Jacinto. She was one of the few people who witnessed the rise of my career in styling. She has a high level of taste in fashion. Every time I am with her, I always have fun.

After 2 glasses of dirty martinis, I went downtown to see my best friend Danielle Smit. We had dinner at Minetta Tavern. She knows that I love the food, the staff, and the ambience of the restaurant. I have been friends with her for 8 years. I consider her as family. Her support meant a lot to me throughout my ups and downs in my career.

I can't wait to see my family, especially my niece Alexa. I will be blogging about my fun trips in Asia. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my love ones.

LOURDES MATTERS

DANIELLE SMIT (RIGHT)

CELESTINA FURNITURE!!!

Last night, I visited my niece Betina. She was packing for her 5 day trip to Columbia. I had to help her sort out her Resort clothes. We managed to fit everything in one small duffel bag. Amazing.

Her mother is my favorite bag designer, Celestina. In the past year, they created a furniture line for their growing brand. Anything they touch turns to GOLD.

I felt like a little child because I was so excited to pick-up my side tables. I am slowly changing the furniture of the apartment. I am very excited.

RED SOLE MANIA- CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SAMPLE SALE!!!

I have not gone to any sample sales in the longest time. I end up spending for junk. This time, I emailed my friend Alicia Whitiak that I would love to go to the Christian Louboutin sample sale. I called up my friend Rachele Testa because she is a die hard fan of the shoe designer. We got there at 745am. We were surprised that the line was very long. I thought it would be easy to get in. For me, patience is a virtue. I mastered the art of waiting.

We waited for nearly 2 hours just to get into the building on 38th street. It was worth the trip because I bumped into friends. The sale happened last week. Was it worth it? I guess.

THORNS OF DESIRE- CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINS

Last April 22, my client gave me spike shoes from Christian Louboutins. These shoes are killer. You need a license to carry a deadly weapon. Now, they come in different styles: loafers and lace ups. Howard from Barneys New York called me last week and told me that they have the shoes in denim. They are on hold till I leave for Manila. They are thorns of desire... addictive.

It is beautiful. Do you think this trend will fade soon? Should I buy another one in denim? Or should I just be satisfied with the pair I already have? I am confused.

People have different addiction. I think I should check myself into SHOE rehab. If there is such a place, I do not mind checking in for a DAY. Hahahahaha.

DENIM VERSION

VERSIONS OF VELVET, PONY HAIR, AND LEATHER

THE MASTER'S WORK- CRISTOBAL BALENCIAGA!!!

This past Friday, my good friend Mark invited me to view the exhibit of Cristobal Balenciaga at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in New York City. I have been a big fan of Mr. Balenciaga. He has an eye for detail and made him the best designer of his time. He was the only designer whom Coco Chanel praised and treated him as a huge competitor. In 1967, New York Times wrote, "No one in the French Couture can match him." Well! They were right.

It was an amazing exhibition curated by Hamish Bowles. The exhibit started this past Friday (November 19) and will run through February 19, 2011. Cristobal was a true genius. Taking pictures of the clothes were not allowed inside the exhibit. You have to go to see it for yourself.

INTO NEVERLAND- VBH!!!

Before heading to the MET party last Thursday, I visited a very good friend of mine at VBH to view the Spring 2011 collection. VBH is known for its beautiful handbags, clutches, jewelry, and made-to-order furniture. Monica Idelson is the new publicist for this luxurious brand. Everytime I am at the store, I fell like I am in Neverland. I also requested Monica to take me to the vault downstairs where they keep the jewelry. I am very proud of her. She only deserves the best.

IN THE VAULT