Organising with Howard

I call it an organised mess.  Nobody is allowed to touch or move my things cos the moment they do, I don’t know where to find them (don’t you feel that way too?).  I know my documents are on top of my study table which is under a load of stuff which makes you think it won’t be there.  I also know that on the left corner of my room, my faithful gray scarf is jumbled up with my bomber jacket.  See, I am aware where my things are.  Or not. 

Organising has been a dream of mine.  I like looking at home and interior decorating magazines and wonder how come their rooms look so clean.  Where the hell do they put their stuff?  How can I fit my shoes with only a drawer that can hold only 12 pairs?  Tell me how can your wardrobe look like this when you have four seasons to dress up for?

Maybe until the day that I can afford to get a 4 bedroom house – for my hubby and I, our child, maybe a guest and my wardrobe extension -- for now I’ll just take baby steps.  Enter, Howards Storage World.  Key word: storage.  HSW is an Australian-based company that has a large range of ingenious and innovative storage solutions to cluttered people like me.  Their concept is “to create a place for everything and make it easy to keep everything in its place”.  And doesn’t it feel great to take control of your space? 

They don’t have meatballs but they have these –

Shoe drawers for those of you who value their shoes like gold, I know I do.  They come in large (999.75 php) and small (599.75 php) to fit from sandals to boots and even men’s shoes.

Clever-ever!  Something for him!  Valet with trinket tray: a trouser bar, shaped jacket, tray for cuff links and watches (2,999.75 php).

  

I use belt hangers to hang my collection of necklaces cos I hate it when they get tangled up!  This belt rack (199.75 php) can hold 14 necklaces or 7 on each side.

Over the door hangers are the next best thing!  No need to hammer or screw, just place them over the door for instant hanger space.  10 knobs (999.75 php) just for you!

And what I have been secretly using when the weather changes, I just stuff all my bulky winter clothes in a space bag (899.75 php), and vacuum away until they are as thin as a board.  Out of mind, out of sight.  And I’m outta here!

Oh did I also tell you their prices are at an average of 50% cheaper than buying Down Under.  I saw one item that is 114% cheaper with the current Australian-Peso conversion to be exact! Sweet.  Why don't you have a look at their online catalogue and make a wishlist while you are at it.

Luvluv, Justine

Howards Storage World great concept will organize the world, one country at a time.  HSW’s first flagship store in the Philippines is located at Robinsons Place Manila.  Soon to open in EDSA Shangri-La.  Franchise operated by Robinsons Handyman Group.   

Photos from ikea.com.au and hsw.com.ph

Damn That Snicks is Fine

Last August, I was so over winter down under and was already daydreaming of shedding the layers and walking barefoot along the West Australian coast. I knew clogs will be big for Spring/Summer and I have been rummaging like crazy looking for the best clog around.

I was in love with the studs and the peep toe of Tony Bianco's Veri but I wanted something with a wedge like See by Chloé's Slingback Wedge Clog cos I don't have much wedges in my wardrobe. On a stop over in Singapore, I almost had my wallet out for the Topshop's Prima Sling Clog  but I didn't. My shoe-aholic me just wouldn't let me compromise. Lo and behold, I found the perfect collaboration of my inspirations.. many months after!

L-R: Tony Bianco, See by Chloé, Topshop

It was already October and I was still head strong looking for the perfect shoe. I stumbled upon this and alarm bells rang and I could only think of these questions: what, where and when???  Who ever thought when SM Department Store said, “We've got it all for you”, it was for real?  I didn't not until SM Fashion Forum brought Jeffrey Campbell to Manila and the clog of my dreams.  I fell to the floor.  I had to have them!  With a little chit chat and sweet talking their sale assistant, Myra (Thanks!) I was in on a we-will-let-you-know-when-they-are-in list.  And in they came, and the rest, as we say, is history.

Jeffrey Campbell's 100% wood ultra high platform wedge (check!) and luxe dark tan leather upper peeptoe (double check!) with stud detailing and buckled sling strap, the Snick just gave me all I need in my clog.  And I never want to take them off!

Top, Zara.  Pants, Roxy Jeans.  Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell.  Necklace, Bracelet and Ring, Diva.

Luvluv,

Justine

SM Fashion Forum is currently available in SM Department Store Makati.

Knee High!

I've been playing touch rugby (or now known as touch football) for two years. Every November marks the start of the season! Last Saturday, our team from UPD joined the Luzon Ladies Championship at Brent International School. Anyway, to cut my story short, I had to stay under the sun for 4 straight hours. Talk about skin cancer and 2-toned legs (yes, knee high socks produce brown and brown-er leg parts). Well, to mask my uneven skin color, I've decided to wear knee high socks to school too... or not. Hahaha Just for the photos. Still haven't found the courage to get past judging eyes... or not. I'm sorry. I'm so conflicted. Hahaha

Anyway, here's what I didn't wear to school, but would have if I lived in a colder country:

Sweater - Topshop

Denim shorts - Greenhills

Gray knee high socks - Forever 21

Black brogues - Parisian

FAT ASS THIGHS - YEARS OF RUNNING

Photos taken by Angela Dela Cruz

Xoxo,

Pat

The Rise of the Flats

Japanese Geishas have been wearing getas for centuries already and finally we are getting a hint from them.  Its the end of an era of sky high heels and ankle breakers, and I could almost hear the rejoice of chronic flat shoe ladies -- enter the rise of the flats.  Seen during S/S2011 fashion shows, these babies showcase flat shoes with platforms, or coined as flatforms.   Pardon me, again?  Basically, you'll get all the added height without any of the pain and ongoing health problems associated with heels.  Interested?

Derek Lam

Personally, I'm one of those girls who will endure painstaking agony of squashed toes or burning balls of your feet cos I love the height I get from wearing them (5'1 just doesn't cut it) and the added confidence and oompff when wearing heels.  I call it "tiis-ganda" (sacrifice for beauty) and I have learned not to whine or winge whenever I choose to stomp the ground on more than 3inch heels else I get the lecture from DH telling me he already warned me before leaving the house: "Are you sure you will be wearing "those"?"

 

 Maison Martin Margiela

I still love my towering-torture-chambers but these flatforms may be my number two.  Where to wear them?  Just about anywhere and with everything!  But a couple of things come to mind --  Concerts!  Don't you hate being small and craning your neck or looking for the slightest crevice among the sea of people just so you can see Rihanna on stage, cos everybody else in front of you is taller?  Well you wouldn't mind wearing Margiela's wedge 5 hours straight up -- their flat, no aching feet here, and you get the added inches to tower over people.  Win-win.

 Fendi

I've never tried, well okay, I already have and I learned my lesson quickly -- I am not one for shopping in heels.  Never again will I try to go on a shopping spree in heels.  Well not along Orchard Road again!  The time I did, I survived the madness (and I didn't even buy spare cheap thongs just so I can take the heels off!) but I couldn't walk the next day.   No win.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania + Melissa 

So what's your verdict?  Are you ready to jump aboard the flatform train, or is this one trend you'll say "no thank you!" to?  I already got my shopping list ready and will be scouring shoe shops until they  somebody here in Manila brings them in.  <3

 Robert Clergerie

Luvluv,

Justine