Ramon Valera: First Filipino National Artist for Fashion Design

Marti and I were on our usual Saturday stroll at Powerplant Mall and went to our favorite place, National Bookstore to browse and buy books. As I waited for my son to reserve the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, I perused the nonfiction shelves looking to buy my next read after Malcolm Gladwell's provocative novel, Outliers when I came upon an out-of-place hardbound: Valera.

photo from Google Images

The life of this self-made fashion icon is, in a word, phenomenal! It was only fitting that his unparalleled talent be lauded by being recognized in 1996 as the very first National Artist for Fashion Design.

According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts:

The contribution of Ramon Valera, whose family hails from Abra, lies in the tradition of excellence of his works, and his committment to his profession, performing his magical seminal innovations on the Philippine terno.

Valera is said to have given the country its visual icon to the world via the terno. In the early 40s, Valera produced a single piece of clothing from a four-piece ensemble consisting of a blouse, skirt, overskirt, and long scarf. He unified the components of the baro't saya into a single dress with exaggerated bell sleeves, cinched at the waist, grazing the ankle, and zipped up at the back. Using zipper in place of hooks was already a radical change for the country's elite then. Dropping the panuelo--the long folded scarf hanging down the chest, thus serving as the Filipina's gesture of modesty--from the entire ensemble became a bigger shock for the women then. Valera constructed the terno's butterfly sleeves, giving them a solid, built-in but hidden support. 

photo by Kutitap.com

Imagine, Don Ramon turning down no less than Cristobal Balenciaga and Queen Sirikit to design abroad! He said that if they really wanted to buy his creations then they would have to buy it from the Philippines!

What an inspiration! That's why I'll be creating another crochet accessory inspired by the designs of Don Ramon Valera. Watch for it!

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On A Hot Date

On A Hot Date by millicentmelissa featuring skull handbags
Hmmm...what to wear, what to wear! I guess that's the perennial question on every woman's mind especially when going out on a hot date.

This ensemble is what I call understated sexy. Although this Herve Leger dress screams hot, hot, hot...the colors are not which tones down a little the sexiness of this dress.

Of course with the neutral colors of the dress, you can play up the rest of the accessories and the Alexander McQueen booties and clutch is just perfect!

Minimal make-up is what should be worn with this get-up but the lips should be just as alluring so go with the red rouge that matches your skin-type.

Don't forget to spray on your Chanel No. 5 which is still the world's sexiest scent made famous by the icon of hotness, Marilyn Monroe. Your date would surely be dreaming of you (and wanting to see you again!) with your scent still lingering in his senses!

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My First Set: Kaftan

My First Set: Kaftan by millicentmelissa featuring a kaftan dress

Was admiring my cousin Paola's kaftan the other day and thought of creating a design set on how I would wear one to a posh party! Loved how the colors work in this get-up!


Items in this set via Polyvore:


Palm Leaf Chiffon Lined Waist Kaftan
99,365 PHP - matthewwilliamson.com

Nude Florida Room Strappy Platform Heel
9,915 PHP - frockaholics.com



Mary Frances Accessories Sea World Clutch
10,650 PHP - endless.com



Atelier Minyon Reversible Tribal Wing Earrings - Max and Chloe
41,565 PHP - maxandchloe.com



Yves Saint Laurent Fake Chic crystal ring
34,420 PHP - net-a-porter.com


Dannijo Lena 14-karat gold-plated Swarovski cuff
23,595 PHP - net-a-porter.com

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Emma Watson was finally free to cut her hair short after finishing the Harry Potter series! And her new pixie cut is da bomb!

In an interview with British Vogue, Emma revealed that:

"I was contractually obliged not to cut my hair, not to tan. All the normal things girls do, I couldn’t," she told the magazine of her Harry Potter gig as Hermione Granger. "So when I got the chance to change my appearance, this [gesturing to her hair] is what I did.”

Long hair or not, you are always gorgeous Emma!

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Curvy Figures Flattered by Victoria Beckham Collection

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29860840@N06

Despite her paper-thin figure, Victoria Beckham knows how to flatter the figures of curvier women. A piece from her Fall 2010 collection was chosen by Oprah herself to wear at the Maria Shriver Conference and she was stunning with a Victoria dress highlighting the cleavage and minimizing the waist.

To check Oprah's peplum dress, click here.

According to Lifestyle MSN:

The one and only Oprah Winfrey (a master of dressing her bod to maximum figure flattery) chose a frock from Victoria's fall 2010 collection for a recent appearance at the Maria Shriver Women's Conference, and she looked as perfectly polished as always. The secret? The dress drew attention to the right places (that enviable cleavage and slim waist) and away from the wrong ones (the broadest section of her hips were quite literally hidden away under a swath of fabric).

Oprah's not the first curvy celeb to embrace Victoria's designs, either. We've seen both Jennifer Hudson and Ugly Betty star America Ferrera in the same black peplum cocktail dress.

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miniskirt ban in Italian town?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/helgabj

The Mayor of Castellamare di Stabia in Italy is thinking of banning football games in parks, verbal blasphemy and miniskirts in his  town. The Council will decide on these matters on November 1, 2010.


According to the Christian Science Monitor:

Conservative Mayor Luigi Bobbio said that miniskirts and other provocative outfits will still be allowed as long as they are not too revealing.

"It's a matter of common sense, of common decency," he said.

A group of local female politicians is planning a protest in front of the town's city hall during Monday's vote. They have invited attendees to wear miniskirts.

For more of this interesting story, click here.

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Smart is the New Sexy: Maria Ressa is Esquire's Sexiest Woman for the Philippines

webshot courtesy of Esquire.com

Esquire magazine has chosen their Sexiest Women Alive this year and its Minka Kelly! For the Philippines, Esquire had chosen our very own journalist extraordinaire Maria Ressa who recently resigned from ABS-CBN as the Head of its News and Current Affairs Division.

According to ABS-CBN News:

Esquire.com said the reason they chose was Ressa was this: "Despite her size, fearless enough to write an eyewitness account of Al-Qaeda."

Ressa responded via a tweet: "Thank you to Esquire for an unorthodox choice. Brave new world."

For more of the story, click here.

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Ashlee Simpson debuts new haircut!

Luuuvv the new pixie cut on Ashlee Simpson though she could've gotten a paler blonde color than this harsh one she's donning.

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Grace To Be Born: Hope for Unwed Mothers and Unwanted Babies

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23658497@N00/

Through Brother Bo Sanchez, I came across Grace To Be Born: a refuge for unwed mothers and unwanted babies. Being a single mom, this place and the people behind its cause tugged at my heart. Piquing my interest, I corresponded with Brother Rey Ortega who heads the shelter and found out that they are now supporting 11 mothers and 14 babies. Although they receive donations, they still need a lot such as Bonna milk for newborn babies, Bonnamil milk for babies 6 months and older as well as baby clothes. I promised to help in any way I can to support the mothers and babies there so if you are interested to donate, you can check their Needs List here.

Am planning to visit the shelter by the end of September to deliver baby stuff I gathered so if you want to donate but don't have the time to go there, I can meet up with you at a mutually convenient place to receive your donations. Please e-mail me at millicentmelissa@ymail.com or PM me at http://millicentmelissa.multiply.com/

I'll make sure these are delivered to the shelter care of Brother Rey.

For more information on Grace To Be Born, you may contact:

ortega_corinthians@yahoo.com (Mr. Rey Ortega) 

myrna.ortega@gmail.com (Mrs. Myrna Ortega)

jan.capili@gmail.com (Jan Capili, RSW)

02 - 501 0965

God bless!

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lady gaga wins mtv 2010 video of the year

2010 MTV Video Music Awards
Tags: Lady Gaga Wins Video Of The Year, MTV

Loved that it was avant garde music icon Cher who awarded this to Lady Gaga.

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Sex and the City music...I'm hooked!

Been watching late night re-runs of Sex and the City and although I've watched The Girls a gazillion times, I just realized that Season 6's soundtrack was da bomb!

As the series' soundtrack didn't have soundtrack credits at the end, had to google it and found a very extensive library of Sex and the City series soundtrack! Thank God for Carrie's Diary http://www.carriesdiary.com/ I found some of the fabulous music I was looking for:



Episode 89: Catch-38
Song 10: Aleksandr is honest with Carrie about having children.
Jon Hopkins: Lost in Thought (from the CD: Opalescent)





Episode 90: Out of The Frying Pan
Song 09: Carrie tries to comfort Samantha.
Audio Lotion: Jacuzzi Jazz (from the CD: ¡Adelante!)




Episode 93: An American Girl in Paris (Part Une)
Song 17: Alek gives Carrie a diamond necklace.
Passi: Il Fait Chaud (from the CD: Les Tentations)

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millicentmelissa featured in Philippine Star!

A million thanks to my dear, dear friend and partner-in-crime during our BLI days Onin Mas, Marketing Manager of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, millicentmelissa got it's first media exposure on Philippine Star's Allure Section!

Fashionista Carole Cuasay donned the Corals Revamped crochet necklace here.

For more on the article, you can view it here.

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ivanka trump to launch her own fashion line

Millionaire Heiress Ivanka Trump has partnered with Marc Fisher to design a line of footwear and soon she would be launching her own line of fashion bags, Ivanka twitted on her Twitter page.

According to Dime Wars:

Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, has partnered with Marc Fisher Footwear to launch a collection of footwear. Ivanka Trump also plans to release a handbag collection, both of which are set to hit stores in the spring of 2011. Susan Itzkowitz, Marc Fisher Footwear President, revealed that the prices for the shoes will range between $80 and $140 and will be sold in department stores in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Like her father, Ivanka Trump has been mastering the art of deal brokering.

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In-Style Look of the Day: Angelina Jolie

Look of the Day - Fashion - InStyle

She's done it again! Angelina Jolie rocked her signature edgy elegance in a high-neck design that opened in back to reveal her tiger tattoo. The gown was not only cut to reveal her famous ink, but also a single perfect leg.

Angelina Jolie looked sumptuously hot in a vintage Versace number at the Tokyo Premiere of Salt. This woman is indeed the epitome of sexy! She's so damn saucy it should be illegal!

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nina garcia pregnant at 45!

Talk about hot momma. Nina Garcia dropped the baby bomb at Project Runway recently, announcing that she is expecting her 2nd child. The 45-year old fashion director of Marie Clare and her husband David Conrod are expecting the newest addition to their family in December, according to People Magazine.

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Me Likey: New Collection of Fabulously Unique Shoes from Sassyspot

Just in, the latest collection from Sassyspot! Check some of the ones I picked for my wishlist:

H2004-Silver

H1974-Tan (think I'm gonna buy this!)

H1970-Brown

H1984-Yellow

F1707-Multi

H1977-Green (yummy color!)

Items are pre-ordered so check out http://sassyspot.multiply.com/ now! 

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Paris Hilton Wearing Similar Necklace I made for My Sister

My officemate Quennie found a picture of Paris Hilton donning a crochet necklace similar to what I've created for my sister. Click on the link below to see more of the pictures:

Paris Hilton Goes Shopping with Sister Nicky Paris and Nicky Hilton June 29 - OK! Magazine - The First for Celebrity News

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Clogs and DMs are back!

http://www.look.co.uk/fashion/jessica-alba’s-cherry-dr-martens-our-new-festival-inspiration

http://www.styleite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/0-chloeoutfit.jpg

Whoa...heeled clogs and doc martens in fashion again! Sure brings back memories from high school! Not so much a fan of clogs since they are a bit chunky and noisy but believe it or not I still have my 16-hole doc martens! They are more user-friendly, utilitarian-chic and really lasts (mine was a gift from my aunt who bought it from London back in 1992!). 

Hmmm better dust off my DMs and update my wardrobe for the season!

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Slimmer iPhone with clearer screen due June 24 - Technology - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

Slimmer iPhone with clearer screen due June 24 - Technology - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

SAN FRANCISCO – The next iPhone comes out June 24 and will have a higher-resolution screen, longer battery life and thinner design.

CEO Steve Jobs opened Apple Inc.'s annual conference for software developers Monday by demonstrating the iPhone 4, which will cost $199 or $299 in the US with a two-year AT&T contract, depending on the capacity. The iPhone 3GS, which debuted last year, will still be available, for $99.

Some of the mystery surrounding Apple's latest creation had been punctured in April, when the tech blog Gizmodo bought a lost iPhone prototype for $5,000 and posted pictures of the unit. Apple demanded it back, and authorities have been investigating whether a Gizmodo editor broke any laws.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/

"Stop me if you've already seen this," Jobs said Monday as he started his demo.

The iPhone 4 is sleeker and more advanced than the original iPhone that came out in 2007. 

Like the iPhone 3GS, it comes in black or white, though it has a more angular look. Its front and back are covered with glass, and it is rimmed with stainless steel that acts as part of the phone's antenna.

It is about three-eighths of an inch thick; the iPhone 3GS is nearly half an inch. It can shoot high-definition video, catching up to some other smart phones. It has a gyroscope in addition to other sensors, to enable more advanced motion-sensing applications, such as games and mapping services.

The display on the iPhone remains 3.5 inches diagonally, but Jobs noted that it can show four times as many pixels — the individual colored dots that make up an image — as the previous screen. That makes for a sharper appearance.

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What do Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Hudson have in common?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pexcornel/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimkardashian/

http://www.listaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/

What do Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Hudson have in common? They have made curvaceous in fashion! 

Even though it was Jennifer Lopez who first made booty popular, I believe Beyonce carries T & A much better. Besides, I heard J. Lo had butt implants while Ms. B's is au naturel. 

What I love about Kim Kardashian is that she doesn't hide the fact that she has cellulites like the rest of us! She easily brushed off the retouched picture she had on Complex Magazine even blogging, "so what if I have a little cellulite! Which curvy girl doesn't?"  You go girl!

Now Jennifer Hudson, I love! She is my current style icon for she wears curvy like nobody else! Despite being a neophyte in Hollywood, she bagged an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls and that's where she first showed her glamorous style on the red carpet. And who would've thought she'd fit so fabulously in Sex and the City the movie? 

So let's celebrate our curves ladies!

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I'm an AUNT!!!

My one and only sister Cha finally gave birth to her firstborn on April 6, 2010. Was negotiating if she can delay it a little bit so my nephew could be born on my birthday but due to complications, an emergency C-section had to be done.

Justice Freeman R. Zosa, born on 6 April 2010, 8:14 a.m., 8 months and 2 weeks, 3.5 lbs.

I'm so proud to be the Aunt of this fighting baby boy...welcome to our family sweetie!

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Simplest Way to Save Money on Printer Ink: Change the Font!

The tip in this article is so amazingly simple! If you want to save money on expensive inks: change your font! As claimed in the article "You could be buying printer cartridges less often if you wrote in, say, Century Gothic rather than Arial. Schools and businesses could save thousands of dollars with font changes." 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alancleaver

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stylish mommy-to-be

Okay, might be a bit biased but can't help doting on my sister Cha whose pregnancy has brought out the fashionista in her! Luuuvvv the earrings she wore here and the bracelet which she got from Una Rosa and Firma.

Photo taken after watching Alice in Wonderland 3D at Greenbelt 3




I guess my praises earned some kind of reward, she got me early birthday gifts from the same stores:

Red Rose Dangle Earrings from Una Rosa








Red & Gold Ring from Firma

Black & Gold Flower Earrings from Una Rosa

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In-Style's Hottest Moms of Hollywood

In-Style.com featured Hollywood Moms' pre and post-natal pictures. Loved the one of Jennifer Hudson, one of my favorite fashion icons...

Jennifer Hudson

J

Jessica Alba

Angelina Jolie

Salma Hayek

Isla Fisher

Photos courtesy of Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Vince Flores/Celebrity Photo; Doug Peters/Retna; Lucas Jackson/Reuters/Corbis;Bauer-Griffin; Sara De Boer/Retna;

SplashNewsOnline.com; Johnstone/Symons/PacificCoastNews

 

 

 

 

 

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Salivating on Sassy Summer Shoes

Okay, as if on cue, got an e-mail from the FeMail newsletter on summer shoe finds. Been thinking of what birthday gift to give myself (I know, it's nice to receive gifts but I feel so much better when I get to buy something for myself...). Here are some of the hottest trends on footwear this season:

Aldo colorful multi-strap sandal, P4,895.00

The multi-hued strings on this gladiator are eye-catching  and versatile. Great with white shorts or a tangerine shift.

Charles and Keith Pale Pink Peep-Toe with Ruffle Detail, P1,799.00

I almost bought this when I went to Charles and Keith Highstreet. I fell in love with the color: so dainty and so lady-like.But as usual, hesitated again with nagging thoughts from my indecisive self "where in the hell will I wear this?!"  Of course my guru (a.k.a. Carrie Bradshaw) will be very disappointed... there are no excuses  not to buy the perfect (well at least for that season) pair!

More shoes...

 Possibility, The Ramp, P995.00

 Matthews, CMG, P1,499.00

Possibility, The Ramp, P995.00

For more fabulous fashion finds and inspirations, follow my blog here.

Be fiercely fabulous!

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In-Style's Look of the Day: SJP

Sarah Jessica Parker in Marchesa

Luuuuvvv the details of this dress particularly the shooting star on the decolletage. SJP wows us again with this captivating number which I believe no one in her age could pull off...I plan to be as chic as her when I reach my 40s :-)

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The Nicest, Cuddliest and Handsomest Baby Boy I Know

Photo courtesy of my cousin Niccola, Ethan's aunt

Ethan Jeffrey Beasca Ramirez. Ethan. Empoy...we instantly fell for this guy the first time we saw him in LA! I hope my son doesn't read this but I do believe Ethan is the nicest, cuddliest and handsomest baby boy I know!

We miss you Ethan!

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Wear your Hermés Scarf in a dozen ways

Was just reading an article by Ruby Gan of Manila Bulletin's Style Weekend on Hérmes' knotting cards that come with their famous scarf upon purchase. 

With Hérmes recently opening in Manila at Greenbelt 3 and a growing fan-base here, am pretty sure the scarves would be selling like hotcakes. Might be costly but sure is worth it with the many styles you can wear the scarf. Get the large one 140 x 140 to get the mileage on its versatility. I personally like the Hérmes Sellier with the orange color that the brand is known for.


Hey, after reading this, follow my blog for more chic momma ideas by clicking here.

Be fiercely fabulous!

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Beware of Ugg(ly) boots!

Never liked Uggs in the first place but now there's more reason not to wear these. In a recent study made by the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, sheepskin boots such as Uggs causes "significant problems with the foot, the ankle, and ultimately, the hip.”

To read more on this interesting article click here: 
Experts debate dangers of wearing popular sheepskin boots

Be fiercely fabulous!

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Adam Lambert eat your heart out!

Photo Courtesy of www.americanidol.com

Ok I've been known to be an avid Beatle fan but the first time I heard "Paint It Black" by the Rolling Stones, I almost became a convert! Well, almost :-)

But hearing the rendition of Siobhan Magnus on American Idol tonight, I was dumbfounded..this girl is simply PHENOMENAL! Sure the big scream at the end is reminiscent of Adam Lambert, as Kara DioGuardi noticed but I believe Siobhan will give Adam a run for his money. She does have a flair for drama in her performances like Adam but it works. And I am digging that gothic debutante look on her!

Check her performance in Youtube here and let me know what you think!

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In-Style Look of the Day: Amanda Seyfried

Mama Mia! What a fab dress! The cut and color is perfect for Amanda's fair skin. I think solids are in this spring and must be in 80's colors like this teal number, or try something in peach, rose pink, tangerine or yellow mango. The strategic draping is great for pear-shaped figures.

Who else looks great? Check In-Style's LOD.

Appreciate your comments and of course would love it too if you become one of my blog's followers...just visit me here.

Be fiercely fabulous!

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Guess who owns this chic Blog/ Newsletter!

While lazing around our last week in LA, I found this simple and yet very chic blog/ newsletter loaded with cool fashion tips. Was so surprised who owned it that I hurreidly signed up for the newsletter! Actually I kinda got inspired of her blog though I used to think she was haughty and only had stylists that's why she dresses up great but turned out she's another fab momma!

Check it out now!

Be fiercely fabulous!

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