WIN A LIMITED EDITION VELVET-BELLE DE JOUR 2010 POWER PLANNER

Get a chance to win a limited edition Velvet-Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner! How? Simply tune in to Velvet (channel 53 for those of you who don't know) and tell us what Velvet show you are looking forward to this 2010. So what are you waiting for? Email your answers to velvet@abs-cbn.com TODAY! Answers should be in three to five (3-5) sentences. Don't forget to include your NAME, AGE, ADDRESS and CONTACT NUMBER!

photo credit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belle-de-Jour-Power-Planner

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Jimmy Choo for LESS than $299

photo credit: Genevieve Bahrenburg of www.style.com/vogue

(Deep breathes) Jimmy Choo will be available in over 250 H&M outlets worldwide starting November 14, 2009. The brand, made famous by the awesome Carrie Bradshaw, has grown tremendously. Lo and behold, the first–ever Jimmy Choo clothing line. Among their ultra glam creations are suede mini dresses and cashmere cardigans. For the man dating the cosmopolitan woman, the stiletto giant is also launching threads for men. So ladies do your man a favor and style him famous. Tamara Mellon, president and co-founder of the brand, spills that even the signature items—leopard print stilettos, caged booties and the like will also be available in all H&M stores. And if that isn’t enough to make your heart melt, the collection retails for less than $299 or P15,000! 

For more info visit Jimmy Choo for H&M.

Snippet: Mango Fever

Photo credit: Mango Newsletter November 2009

I absolutely love Sensual Feeling by Mango for Autumn/Winter '09! Classic pieces tailored for the modern woman is made from luxe fabrics like cashmere and lace. The colors for this collection are rich and majestic. Don't worry about looking like a Christmas tree though. Shades of red, blue and violet are neutralized with grays and blacks.

Click Sensual Feeling to see the entire collection.

How to Remain Stylish in Sticky Situations

img src: http://style.catalogs.com/images/audrey%20hepburn.jpg 

Trust me, I’m a professional :) When you have stye but can’t call in sick remember the following:

1. Don’t panic. When you panic, you waste lots of time. Don’t maul over the fact that you look like Quasimodo’s bride. Take a deep breathe and examine your stye.
2. Wash your face and cleanse your eye/s (hopefully you only have one) with artificial tears. I recommend two to three drops of Tobramycin.
3. Boil water and make yourself a cup of tea and place the hot compress on the affected eye for about 15 minutes. Leaving it there for longer will burn your skin, seriously.
4. LOTS AND LOTS OF BETNOVATE to reduce the swelling. Let dry for two to three minutes.
5. DO NOT PUT ON MAKE-UP, well at least not that much. It will only aggravate the infection. Daub on concealer around the eye area especially under your peepers. I recommend YSL Touche Eclat—its magic in a stick!
6. Don’t leave the house just yet; you don’t want to frolic in the city looking like a corpse. Stain your kisser with some rouge or coral.
7. Play up your wardrobe. Create a focal point. It could be a fancy old brooch or a satin bow or a string of pearls.
8. Wear shades. The bigger the better, seriously. Think old Hollywood glamour a la Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Wear only until after midday. For extreme conditions and the bold fashionista, wear a silk eye patch. Preferably black and elegant.
9. Let your hair down and put a sassy hat on. Once ready, make a quick stop to the drug store and buy a tube of Fusidic Acid (Fucithalmic). Put one to two drops over the hordeolum and massage gently. Use ring finger to apply just the right amount of pressure.
10. Get your butt to work and talk to your boss. Show him your eye condition (twitch a bit to look convincing) and ask to leave work early to see a doctor. Promise to finish most of the work by midday.
11. For the socialite, attend diplomatic engagements for the day and make a French exit.
12. SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

Joie de Vivre: Restaurant Cicou

photo credit: Carol Soesanto

There’s a place in the South where food connoisseurs and those with impeccable taste indulge in caviar and French wine. I give you, Restaurant Cicou, a French bistro in Hotel Celeste manned by the brilliant Chef Cyrille Seonen. A little trivia, the name is actually derived from the Chef’s nom and prenom, Cy- and Seo-, hence the name Cicou.

This French establishment takes first impressions quite seriously. From the warm and cheery valet to the lovely receptionist, I knew that dinner would be nothing less than exceptional. The contemporary décor and the place’s understated luxe appeal will certainly put you in the mood. But such posh interior suggests that Cicou is more of a rendezvous for couples and friends in search for the ultimate dining experience. As we all know, the French are very passionate especially when it comes to food so it’s no surprise that Restaurant Cicou is famed for satisfying countless palates. They offer a 4-course set meal, which includes the appetizer, soup of the day, entrée and dessert. For the picky eater, go a la carte and choose from a sundry of exotic dishes that will surely escalate your penchant for French cuisine. Since lamb is my weakness, I was able to resist the seafood and rib eye combo. That evening, I had Onion Soup, Australian Lamb and Poached Pear. The Onion Soup, a concoction of caramelized onions, sliced bread and mozzarella cheese, is already a meal in itself. Served in a deep bowl, the savory stew can satiate even a big appetite. My main course, marinated in lemon confit and almonds, was slowly baked Tajine-style. This succulent lamb shank is paired with light-flavored semolina, a milled product of durum wheat used in pasta. The fusion of the two flavors is sure to excite your taste buds. For dessert, I chose to order something sweet and tangy. On my plate was poached pear granité or frozen dessert, complemented with light pear mousse and sweet gelée. Mon poison du jour? Colombelle Vin de Pays 2007, a French white wine produced in the South of France. This fresh and fruity white with creamy vanilla base notes, offsets the highly-flavored delicacies.

Experience French cuisine at it’s finest without having to fly thousands of miles away. Learn the art of wine tasting or simply enjoy a glass with warm company. Dare to be adventurous and try something foreign to your palate—snails or duck liver perhaps? There’s a long list to choose from so take your time, build your apetite, the server will guide you through. Bon apetit!       

*Restaurant Cicou is located at Hotel Celeste, 2 San Lorenzo Drive Cor. A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. For reservations or inquiries, please call 887-8080 local 242/ 268.

Amber UltraLounge

photo credit: Carol Soesanto

Welcome Amber UltraLounge, one of the hottest clubs to rise in the Metro. Located at the Fort in Taguig City, it’s no surprise that this social establishment is quickly becoming a haven for both the young and mature partyphiles.

There are three things I consider before stepping into a club—ambiance, people and music. The luminous and almost hypnotic Amber lights outside is what fueled my curiosity. I’m glad they failed to disappoint. I’d have to commend the genius behind the impeccably chic interior. The wall embellishments are absolutely clever. As for the people, I think Amber appeals more to the polished and sophisticated bunch. So surf the crowd and get star struck with some of the Metro’s most prominent faces that frequent the scene. The DJ definitely knows how to please his audience. From old school to mainstream, he's got them singing and dancing. So really, I don’t see any reason why this ultra lounge shouldn’t be on anyone’s go-to list.

photo credit: Therese San Diego

Turning Japanese at Senju

img src:http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/D2B5F1B8-B833-4A68-9524-585B3BB8219D.jpg

I recently had dinner at Senju with my folks and I must say, this place without a doubt still serves the best sushi in town! This authentic Japanese restaurant found at the second floor of the Edsa Shangri-La is run by the brilliant Chef Toshi. The modern interior never fails to fascinate me. I don’t think I will ever get tired of admiring the ingenuity of juxtaposed Bamboo (refer to photo above). Senju serves food that will definitely excite your palate. I’m a huge fan of their sushi, it’s fresh and almost orgasmic (well almost). But I wasn’t too impressed with their prawn tempura and chicken teriyaki. It was good but I was expecting something that would blow me away since a single plate at this posh restaurant is a bit pricey. So, come with hefty pockets if you decide to dine at Senju and don’t forget to dress nicely too.

Thumbs Down for Suriya Spa, Frontera Verde

DISCLAIMER: This article is based solely on MY observation/ experience. I have not checked the other rooms nor have I tried other services offered by the spa.

As part of my mom’s birthday blowout, I took her for an indulgent massage at the Suriya Spa in Frontera Verde. She’s been wanting to try their services, but sadly she never had the time. So she was very much thrilled when she learned about the surprise. I was excited myself to get a facial at this multi-awarded spa. But the joy on our faces melted as soon as we laid our hands on their dirty robes and towels, and met the garrulous spa therapist. A spa is supposed to be a place of refuge for those in dire need of some R n R. But Suriya Frontera Verde seemed more like a shelter for grime and gossip.

Someone call the health inspector (FYI: most health inspectors have broader job duties)! The white walls in our private room were blemished with dust and dirty handprints. The “fresh” robes and towels were off-white in color and it smelled funny—like musky-wet-dog funny. My mother, meticulous and extremely hygienic by nature, actually asked one of the therapists if the bath linens were clean. And as if insulted by the question, she anxiously said yes. As a matter of fact, they bring the laundry to one of the best Laundromats in the area. I wanted to scream and pull her hair. But I had already paid for their services. I doubt that they will refund me. I thought nothing more could top our horrendous experience until a motor mouth therapist walked into the room. She was jabbering about the countless exams she had to take to get into the esteemed spa. To further dampen my mood, her tools kept falling on the floor. Thank God she was smart enough to wash and sterilize them otherwise I would’ve thrown a major hissy fit. But despite the upsetting experience, I was decent enough to tip them nicely.

Uncle Cheffy

img src: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3847694021_dfaa518f60.jpg

 There’s a new panizza place at the Eastwood Mall’s mezzanine (well fairly new) Cal and I were supposed to have our healthy fill at our favorite shabu-shabu restaurant. But we found ourselves wandering off to Uncle Cheffy instead. It was probably the menu that reeled us in. They offer a sundry of mouth-watering dishes inspired by local and international palates. The people behind Chef Quarter’s and Old Vine have truly outdone themselves this time. It’s a fine dining experience without spending a fortune. The ambiance is warm and laid-back, very much conducive to eating if you ask me. I love the wooden, corky patches on the walls. It gives off that bit of modern feel while staying true to its countryside appeal. I must commend the staff for being exceptionally warm and pleasant. They certainly know their food and the place’s history. As recommended by our server, we ordered one of the house’s best-sellers, Memphis BBQ US Beef Rib Fingers (800-1000g). Since their serving was pretty big, we requested for half the serving (500g) instead. This smoky flavored, tender juicy slab is served with marble potatoes drizzled with olive oil and green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. We decided to go French for dessert and got Chocolate Roulade, a combination of vanilla ice cream and sponge cake with a chocolate garnish. This delectable slice of heaven melts in your mouth without overpowering your tastebuds. As for the dining cost, fret not the price won’t even put a dent in your pockets. You really get your money’s worth!

Leather Skirts and Bucket Bags

I’m not a big fan of pencil skirts and leather bottoms. I reserve the former for mature engagements and the latter for, well, the bedroom. But when I saw what Agyness Deyn wore at the New York premier of Inglorious Basterds, I had a sudden change of heart. I didn’t think you could wear a pencil cut, body-con, leather skirt with a grunge T-shirt and look awfully stunning. Dress dangerously and bring out the rebel in you a la Agyness Deyn or break free from fashion norms and experiment with other items in your closet. Try pairing it with an ultra feminine top for that subtle rockstar look.

 

img src: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnmtEDjTMYuXRrsT4l3bd7oKf4rZGE9nubvYtr_e3dgEygk49BPXAeWHmOHNtuH4Rn7hY3_q8-fWjtKMpGFTHOFj6mKjmFmdpeY-mPDnkqWYR72sK5VcGRfdtS-6fde4ugmLGqgs4xGc/s800/Agyness_Deyn.jpg

 img src: http://girldir.com/files/images/leather-pencil-skirt.jpg 

Bucket bags with long twisted metal straps are a closet staple this Fall. Babies of the eighties, rummage through your closet and get set to mix and match this B-bag with just about anything. For the 20-somethings, go vintage and raid your mothers’ closet. This carryall can go from coffee dates to night outs with friends. Glamorize and make an 80's statement without going overboard.

 

img src: http://i26.tinypic.com/fn44ti.jpg

 

img src: decadesinc.blogspot.com

*For vintage designer bags, clothes, shoes and accessories check out www.decadesinc.blogspot.com

J'adore Vivienne Tam

Many thanks to my best friend for reminding me of this ultra chic digital clutch by Vivienne Tam. It’s small, bright red and has pretty peonies on it—what’s not to like? Get those creative juices flowing! Slip on to your favorite Carrie Bradshaw frock and blog away on a lazy afternoon at fancy coffee shop. Not much of a writer? Surf the net in style by the pool while sipping a refreshing cocktail. Work looking absolutely fabulous and be the envy of every girl in your floor. Whatever your thrill, this luxury item will definitely raise the ante anytime, anywhere.

Launched in the US December 2008, this cute little thing has a 10 inch-screen, 1 GB of memory RAM, an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, and a 60GB hard-drive. It was released in Manila early this year. Starting price is $700, about 35 grand in Philippine Peso. Stocks, apparently, are limited.

Indulge at Persian Square

I’m a huge huge fan of exotic dishes! Among my long list of favorites, Persian cuisine is third. Their food is full-flavored, healthy and light but will surely satisfy your hunger pangs. Last Saturday night, I took Cal to Persian Square in Ortigas Home Depot. This quaint restaurant is a favorite rendezvous for most Persians living in the Metro and a place for food lovers to lounge and dine. The interior is absolutely beautiful. The fusion of deep, sultry hues, exotic beats and Moroccan-Mediterranean style was like being in Iran. Food is absolutely divine. The aroma of saffron, rosemary and other spices made me salivate. Everything smelled so good, it built up my appetite. We had ordered Maghz or Ox Brain for starters, but worry not, it’s 100% cholesterol free! For our main course we got Koobideh Kabab, “a skewer of juicy strips of charbroiled seasoned ground beef mixed with onion and Persian spices”, Shishlik Kabab, “a skewer of charbroiled T-bone lamb marinated overnight in yogurt, vegetables and Persian herbs and spices” and baskets of Pita and Barbari bread. Of course, a Persian meal would not be complete without Yoghurt Shake. But I suggest you try it sweetened because salty yoghurt might not be appealing to most Filipino taste buds. After a sinful indulgence of exotic flavors, we soothed our stomachs with delicious Cardamom Tea.

For more information on Persian Square, visit http://www.persiansquare.com.ph/menu.html.

Persian Square is located at Unit 101 Bldg B. Ortigas Home Depot, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City

Holiday Destination: Nurture Spa, Tagaytay

As much as I love the metropolitan lifestyle, I too, need to get away from the city from time to time. While the beach is usually my escape, the wet season prohibits me from braving blue waters. What with all the stories of people being engulfed by giant waves and ending up in South China, I wouldn’t dare. Besides, there’s no sun and therefore, no tan. My alternative destination during the cold and rainy season is Tagaytay. Aside from it being only an hour and a half away from the Metro, it’s picturesque landscape is enough to lighten up your mood. While most people find this literally cool city, boring and unexciting, Tagaytay actually has a lot more to offer if you’re familiar with the terrain. Well it’s not as exciting as the beach, but if you’re after breathtaking sights, awe-inspiring art and structures, self-indulgent activities and the best Bulalo in town, do head south.

 

In my most recent trip to Tagaytay, a few friends and I decided to treat ourselves to a well-deserved pampering session at Nurture Spa. It’s been around for a while now, but I never got the chance to check it out before because it’s seated far from the heart of the city. There is something comforting about its tropical ambiance. The spa’s interior is reminiscent of indigenous Filipino customs and traditions. The homey vibe that it exudes instantly relaxes your senses—the smell of Narra furnishings, the native kubos and ethnic décor to name a few.  The staff is genuinely warm and pleasant. In fact, they will even give you a quick tour of this beautiful hideaway. The spa menu was inspired by local healing traditions from different parts of the country. Cal and I decided to try Magsing-Irog Massage which is perfect for couples. This massage therapy combines sandalwood, ylang ylang and lavender essential oils to infuse passion and romance among lovers. According to the therapists the three aromatic oils were used by ancient Filipinos to “ignite a passionate response” from their partners. The room is simple, yet charming. It has two comfy spa beds, a shower and a nice view of a small garden. The afternoon treat started with a brief foot spa. They use lemon water with flower extracts and a special scrub (which is made mostly of dried corn) to invigorate tired feet. My attempt to stay awake the entire treatment failed. It was so relaxing that after the therapist worked on my thighs, I was already out cold. I guess the weather helped set the mood as well. Cal had to tap my arm a few times so that I’d wake up—I swear, it was that good. The pain I’ve been feeling in my back, shoulders and neck was gone and I can breathe better. Refreshing Pandan Tea completed the rejuvenating experience. It was a journey to wellness that soothed my mind, body and spirit. I’d give Nurture Spa five out of five stars overall. 

Rihanna, All Blown-Up

While most style sites and fashion magazines applaud Rihanna’s flair in juxtaposing modern and classic pieces, I would have to say that the colossal hair, pouffy tapered slacks, animal print shoes and sleeveless duster cropped coat spell fashion mishap for me. It’s just a little bit too much! The star’s neutral palette somehow balances out this ultramodern ensemble. En masse its overkill but individually worn, the key items should put you on anyone’s most stylish list. A paper bag and nothing else with those Pigalle 100 Pumps by Christian Louboutin would land you in the tabloids, but rest assured you’ll look fabulous in your own right.

So, what’s your verdict?

Celebrate Fall '09 in Style

Bid Summer goodbye and welcome Fall with open arms. A new season calls for an awesome transformation. Be bold and dangerous; experiment with the new but stay true to your own style. I took my cue from Patrick Demarchelier of British Vogue and www.whowhatwear.com on runway staples and fashion trends for this season. While we don’t experience Fall in the Metro, it shouldn’t stop the chic and stylish from living and breathing fashion.

Sky high boots are the new leggings. You don’t have to be in London or Paris to frolic in thigh-skimming boots. Pair them with a mini dress and be the life of the party or up the ante at coffee dates with the girlies and wear them with shorts and a trench to match.

Bruno Frisoni’s latest collection is reminiscent of royalty. His grandiose shoes and bags were inspired by the Roger Vivier shoes worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation. Since the Queen had to stand long hours during the ceremony, she was well heeled and majestic. Think soft leather shoes and fleur-de-lis straps embellished with precious stones. Frisoni’s creations are truly “refined but subtle”, fit for any queen and queen wannabe.

The 80’s is shortly becoming a mainstay in the fashion scene. The shoulder pads redux have become unstoppable. Shoulders are rising horizontally or vertiginously from the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy among others.

Chokers prove to be a closet essential this season. The chunkier the better, the more the merrier! This all-purpose accessory, as seen on celebs like Isla Fisher, Sandra Bullock and Milla Jovovich, glams up cazh ensembles and adds “posh pizzaz” to party frocks.

The Ber months are upon us. Surf and dazzle crowds only with the latest and hottest trends. Don’t let the erratic weather get you down. Celebrate Fall in style!