Korean Fashion Invation

Driving around the streets of Manila, seeing the wave of Korean teens walking around the local coffee shop to grab a frappe seems like a Fashion Show in the streets of Milano. I was like "Woah, they know how to dress up in such a hott weather EH?"

Kudos to them fashion forward Korean Men.

photo from fashionising.com

Vanity is not a CRIME!

Grooming for men has always been an important focus which is, most of the time, neglected. You don't have to be a metrosexual to look good, and the ladies would rather kiss a smooth face. Think of it.

So here's my top pics of products for Men's Grooming.

Facial Cleanser: Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser

Facial Exfoliate: Neutrogena Deep Clean Exfoliator

Shaving: Gillette Mach 3


Lip Care: Hawaiian Tropic Lip Balm

Focus on Dean and Trent

Classy tone to the ear eh? "Dead & Trent" but believe your balls, it's LOKAL! Kudos to you local designers, we have yet another proud fashion house on the rise. Pret-a-Porte is definitely easier to manage with cheaper yet eye-candy.

O.M.F.G! Check out their affordable PRICES! You are going to thank me for this gift sent from heaven. I lorrrvvveeeee Dean & Trent. (I'm not into cheap S.M type of prices but these are just too Chic to be called Value-Buys)



Aqua Blue-Striped Cardigan - P700.00

photo from deanandtrent.com
photo from deanandtrent.multiply.com

photo from deanandtrent.multiply.com

Dean & Trent Address'

CROSSINGS | TRINOMA MALL
- Take the hallway where Tokyo Tokyo / Anson is, Crossings should be close by, there is one main entrance that leads you in.

CROSSINGS | EDSA SHANGRILA MALL
- 1st Level across from Healthy Options is the entrance to Crossings, we are in the section THE RAMP.

CROSSINGS | GLORIETTA MALL 4
- Take the escalator to the 2nd Level, look for Crossings, we should be in the middle part of the store.

BACKSTAGE | SERENDRA FORT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY
-We are on the 2nd level, just right above Conti's and the other restaurants.

DEAN & TRENT SHOWROOM | QC
-http://deanandtrent.multiply.com/photos/album/15/Dean_Trent_Available_Locations#12

DEAN &TRENT AT THE 50th AVENUE | ROBINSONS GALLERIA
-3rd Level East Wing, near Figaro.

ANTHOLOGY | POWERPLANT MALL
-2nd Level, Archaelogy Wing, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Makati

For more information, visit www.deanandtrent.com & www.deanandtrent.multiply.com

Local Thrills

Gucci Prada Louis Vuitton: these are European Brands available in the Philippines to name a few. But if you're bound to the Philippine Peso salary, and in need of some high fashion, Euro prices just won't turn a frown upside down.

But hey, who says you can't look good and wear localistas?! Not me.

Here ya go, a list of my favorite local designers/department stores which will fit your PHP Pockets perfectly.

Adora

Don't be fooled, this high-end department store is proud to carry European Brands like D&G, Missoni, Dior Homme, but they have somewhat affordable brands like Jaspar and Tyler.

Tip: Look around this HUGE department store and you'll surely find clothes which will fit your body and your pocket. Trust me, if you find those P15,000 D&G T-Shirts expensive, then you'll surely go for something less, like P2,500 Long sleeves from Tyler.

Strong Points: Large variety of clothing, Kick-ass employee standards, in-house coffee shop, one-stop shop AND cute paper bags.


Adora Prices range from P1,000 (Round-Neck T-Shirts), P2,000 (Cotton Long-Sleeves) until P15,000 (European Designer Clothing)

Visit www.adora.ph for more information

Adora Store Address
Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center
Makati City PHILIPPINES





Tyler

This locally based Fashion House caters to the upper society look, leaving out the simple T-Shirt and Jeans for a more attractive and fashion forward alternative. Silhouettes and fit: their ultimate fashion advantage. From Casual Chic to Corporate Power Dressing, this brand is exclusive and eye catching. Another remarkable fingerprint of Tyler's: their innovative look to their clothing collections.

(Left to Right) Tyler Pseudo-Double Layered Jacket in Black; Tyler Long-Sleeves in Olive Green

Tyler Prices range from P1,000 (Round-Neck T-Shirts) to P2,000 (Long Sleeves)

Tyler Store Address'
Shangri-La Mall Mandaluyong, Rockwell, Glorietta 3
PHILIPPINES





Religioso

Another Locally based fashion house, Religioso caters to the clothing for social events and corporate power dressing, more on the women's ready-to-wear, some Men's clothing are also available. They also cater to tailored clothing for a special price of course. Your very own high-end atelier.


Religioso Prices range from P1,000 (Round-Neck T-Shirts) to P2,000 (Long Sleeves)

Religioso Store Adress'
Shangri-La Mall Mandaluyong; Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center
PHILIPPINES

Look At This!

Fall is around the corner and we have to be prepared. Wherever you may be, Fall means Cold Winds and Rain Showers (given you're located in a tropical island). Preparations Preparations, FUN.

Here are some essentials for Fall 2008.

photo from men.style.com

Shiny Black Trench from Michael Kors Fall 2008 Show

photo from men.style.com

A MUST: The recently resurrected button-down cardigan. I love playing with different colors using these cardigans.

I just love cold weather. As I write, the weather outside is a waft of London's eternal rainfall. Trench Coat inside the house anyone? Loves IT.

Bohemian Nation's Coffee Company

I've been a loyal visitor of this amazing Coffee Company. There's just this desire to quit Starbucks Coffee (for their boring coffee & over rated name), Seattles Best (for not just being the best), and all those other Coffee joints. I'm not trying to dis these names, but I'm just explaining to my readers my own opinion (I am still entitled to that right?).

What really struck me hard (and good) was BoNa's:

1. Amazing service (tops with the staff's amazing English)
2. Ambiance (The first time I walked in that cozy coffee shop, I was struck by a speeding yellow bus)
3. Great Coffee (very different from any other Coffee makers)

photos all from bonacoffeecompany.com

4. Exclusivity (not much coffee drinkers know this place, so I'd add that up for a perk)

For more information, please visit Bohemian Nation's Coffee Company website, or better yet, visit them at:

Unit E Banco Filipino Building
Elizalde St. BF Commercial Plaza
Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines

And if you live in Dubai, Vancouver, Hong Kong or Shanghai, there's a BoNa Coffee coming your way soon.

BoNa is also about to open their newest Coffee shop at Westgate, Filinvest, so watch out for that.

Louis Vuitton's One Colored Ensembles

Hypocrisy from what I preach, but these single shaded outfits have mocked my teachings and condemned me to kingdom-come.

I've always told you never ever to be too mis-matchy, but these creations by Louis Vuitton with their Spring Summer take took my breath away and I am, by all means, allowing singulars for now.

Posh Blue

Pure White

Earth Toned

Grey Matter

Dark Skinned

Midnight Black

photos all from men.style.com

Note: tuck-in shirts may look 'dorky' if paired with the wrong bottoms, and the Midnight Black outfit is indeed that divorce between the top and the bottom, but the outerwear is the bond which keeps it balanced and harmonious. Well done LV.

Ralph Lauren: Rugby

Yet again another line for Ralph Lauren, an even cheaper price too.

photo from noun.files.wordpress.com

Ralph Lauren Rugby caters to the outgoing sports youth, wardrobe of the idle rich of the Orange County or Silicon Valley. Californiacation anyone?

The website even features a "make your own Ralph Lauren Rugby shirt" with customized patch placements and what not. If you're the 'throw your hands in the air, and wave it like you just don't care' type of teen, and if beach walking is in your daily routine, then by all means, RRL is the one for you.

Comfort clothes with class.

V Man Magazine: Search for a Cover Man

If you've got what it takes, then go for it. We do need an Asian Male Model, and if you win, please do remember Haute Chocolait.

For more information, Click Moi

The 'Umph' Factor

Common looks, amazing designs. These pieces from Dries Van Noten from the Spring Summer collection have clicked my tingly spot and I'm sure you'll love them as well.

Earthly Desires

Earth toned pants (with perfect fit, I have to say) clash with a fierce red top, distinct yet blends. With a contrast neck wear, deep in the eyes, but curiosity never killed the cat.

Inorganic Material
Going green is in, but plastic makes sense. This unique material brings in past memories of wet summers, familiar yet distinctive.

'Not so Mitchy-Matchy'
The most distinctive color in the plaid will marry pants of the same color. Match the orange of the plaid with the orange of the pants, and you'll have a feast for the eyes.

That Stand-Out Shine
Summer is the sun, and have some contrast sun in the outfit.

You have Haute Chocolait's word, you can knock-off these looks straight from the runway fixtures, better yet but the Dries van Noten itself. They are all made in Heaven, in perfect harmony for the streets. Don't be afraid, they're perfect.

Trend Seeker

I've gone through some of the Spring Summer fashion shows and I've selected some noteworthy trends walking down the cat walk.

And trust me when I do spot some nice ones, it's very hard to please me.

When I spot a trend, it must be fresh, exciting, daring even. I don't do boring old comfort clothes, but I don't go overboard either. I make sure what I recommend is wearable yet chic.

Trend: Drop-down Shoulder Shapes

Emporio Armani

photo from men.stlye.com

See, this outfit right here is still going overboard. You'll know how to test your ability to make a wrong decision correct by tweaking this outfit a little bit, but retain the beauty of the design. The drop-down shoulder shirt is still too new for society to accept, and that is why we take it slowly without jeopardizing the design.

Byblos

photo from wgsn.com

Fashion meets Social functionality in this smart ensemble by Byblos in their Spring Summer collection. The drop-down style is still present, but the classic polo-tee is blended in. Magnificent.

Ditch the Denim Jeans

You've got it, Denim Jeans are light years away and bring in a tide of color, and not to mention variety, to your daily outfits.

Calvin Klein Jeans

photo from frillr.com

I said ditch, not destroy. Let's face it, denims might not appear in the hottest runways, but they're always in style. Denim is like the legendary creation of all time, timeless and one hell of a tough pair of pants. They're God's gift to casual clothing.

But too much of everything is a sin, and too much of denim, is a major faux pas. You are branded as 'normal' or worse, 'BORING' if you're everyday casual wear is composed of a denim bottom.

"But they go perfect with anything." True true, but different pant styles/colors will do an exciting new look. It will cost you more to bubble up an outfit top + bottom, instead of just changing the top, but Fashion is always an investment, and investments do need money.

The denim alternatives: (all by Roberto Cavalli)

Bright Red

Jet Black

Powder Blue

Basic White

photos from men.style.com

Exciting isn't it? Always remember this, try not to pair up your bottoms with your tops, it's a common faux pas. There are exemptions to these rules of course (such as the Black-on-Black ensemble), as to many faux pas, and you have to extremely be careful in trying on a single colored outfit.

To be safe, play with contrasts (Brown top with White Pants, Brown top with Red pants), and with the foot ware, match with the top, creating a harmonial layer of contrasting colors.

The White top and powder blue pants is a perfect easy-cool and feather weight outfit, just to add.

Always remember, fashion forward men are daring yet careful, the most expensive pieces can be a disaster if paired with the wrong mate.