Recently in Fall 2008 Category

Ruffles are commonly used as trimmings on skirts and dresses. Bridal gowns and ball gowns come to mind when I hear ruffles. Honestly, I never favored ruffles. I didn't like the unnecessary volume they add on clothing. And when one of my friends told me earlier this year that Prada is coming out with ruffled shoes and handbags, I wasn't a bit excited.

All my presumptions of tacky, hideous shoes and handbags, I had to take back when I saw the chic, modern and innovative applications of ruffles. I was guilty of not giving ruffles the benefit of the doubt and underestimating a designer's capabilities. So, I stand corrected. Nowadays, I'm a ruffle lover! I particularly love apparel that has asymmetrical tier ruffle design.Thread Social has a collection of ruffle dresses that are so chic! The silhouette, feminine and sexy yet elegant.

Word of advice, there are still pretty offensive usage of ruffles out there. Use your 'fashion commonsense'  when shopping. If you think a ruffle top is ugly at first sight, trust your instinct and move on to the next. Here are a few items you can use as reference when shopping. Have fun!

Thread Social Dress $595.00 ShopJake	Prada Tessuto S Tote $995.00 Saks Prada Ruffle Ankle Boot $534.00 SALE Saks
Alice + Olivia Ruffle Skirt $440.00 Shopbop	Vince Asymmetrical Tiered Ruffle Top $195.00 Nordstrom

The start of the holiday season is just around the corner and invitations to parties and soirees will start pouring in. Most holiday parties are in the evening and cocktail dresses are of course the norm. But not mandatory. Black apparel will be the color of choice by most people and there's nothing wrong about that. 

When I was in college back in the Philippines, ROTC was one of my course requirements and I hated it with a passion! I disliked it to much that I almost flunked. I'm a 'Make Peace not War' type of guy. But I respect an honor every men and women who put their lives on the line for our country. There's one thing I love about the military, their outfits! I meant uniforms. Anyhow, 'dress blues' ( proper term for military uniform ) that are worn by men and women fits just right, not to snug and not loose. I guess for a lack of a better word, 'respectable' fit.

As a believer that style and functionality can be achieved when it comes to fashion, its such a shame to see designers don't even try to deliver one or the other.

It's undeniable that puffer coats are the keeping us warm for those cold fall and winter nights. But sacrificing style over comfort shouldn't be an excuse to look like a walking marshmallow or a shapeless lumpy blob. There are puffers that are stylish and functional at the same time. Here some points to consider when you're shopping for a puffer coat.

"Rain, Rain, go away. Come again another day. Boys and girls wants to play. Rain, Rain, go away." That was the nursery rhyme I always recited when the first raindrop falls, hoping that playtime outside won't be cut short and be bored inside. Aside from playtime being interrupted, I also didn't like getting my shoes wet and socks wet! Just feels uncomfortable and the thought of wet socks gives me the shivers. 

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves $68.00 Nordstrom

It's been close to three years since I moved to California from Michigan. And the cold season here feels like summer compared to the Great Lakes' bitter-cold winters. Hats, scarves and gloves function more as protective gears from the harsh elements rather than part of your fall/winter look. Comfort over style. North Face Gloves $65.00 Nordstrom And since here in L.A., it's more likely to have an earthquake than snowfall or below zero temperatures and the most likely or perhaps the only place you'll get frostbite is your freezer, cold weather accessories tend to be more trendy and chic.

I have to admit the only plaid clothing you can find in my closet are pajamas. Nothing against plaid, it's just not a preference of mine. The resemblance to table cloth or gift wrapping paper, the Brawny guy or perhaps being in Catholic school from preschool to college are few of the reasons why plaid is M.I.A. in my closet. Being an equal opportunity fashionista, I'm open to trying on plaid apparel.

The Sweater Dress has definitely evolved through the years. Traditionally, sweater dresses are made either with a mock or turtleneck, long or quarter length sleeve and in solid or some hideous print. Well, those sweater dresses are history.

Nowadays, you can find sweater dresses that gives the illusion you are wearing a two-piece skirt and top ensemble; embellished chic designs when paired with the right accessories you can wear to any fabulous event. You can even wear a sweater dress for work. And when an article of clothing can be worn virtually with any look and style, it's been through the wringer of updates and improvements.

Day Looks

It may seem that I've totally forgotten about men's trends for fall since I've been focusing on the ladies quite a bit. As a gentleman, I abide by the 'ladies first' principle. Well, that and the fact that men really don't have as long of a list of must-haves this season as the women.