She Is Birgitta!

In some unfortunate cases in the world, wherein we only have ourselves to depend on to, where we are left behind and no one seems to look back, where our delusions are far more better than the reality we are facing, there are drifters – soul searchers, travellers, gypsies. They go to places to find something they never had. Some seek for acceptance and belongingness, while most of them seek for love. Something that can change the way they live, and probably, would make them stay for a little bit longer, or until forever. They have nothing with them but few clothes, courage and dream. I believe they have dreams. I believe Arnold have them in his pocket.

I met the guy two weeks ago. He is the definition of what I want in a guy: determined, hard-working, he knows what he wants, courageous, a good sense of humor, shy and a little but stubborn. Not to mention, a very beautiful smile. His skin was touched by his childhood dreams. His body could tell the experiences he had and how hard-working he really is. Not the typical guy who would be imaginable for a fashion whore like me. But he got me with his smile.

I admire his humility and sweetness. He is a very shy guy, but what he taught me about beauty and life will always be my fondest memory of him. Coming from a guy like him, I know I’m gonna find someone better. Maybe not him, not the guy I’ve been thinking of lately, maybe not today. But surely, in time, I’m gonna find someone better. I’m really sad that he had to leave me, and go somewhere where he will be more appreciated and loved. And I guess that’s the main reason of gypsies that they go from places to places - they are looking for a place to belong. Maybe not in me, maybe not here. But I’m glad we met. I barely know his whole personal life, but I know, our souls knew each other, and even for a short period of time, I know I’m gonna miss him so much. I will never forget our ‘finger-play’ and our gazing to each into other’s eyes. The chance of meeting him again is quite uncertain. Maybe that’s really how life goes. Just like in the movies, sometimes we only appear for cameo roles. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have important roles to play. Oftentimes, these cameo roles are the ones that will mold us to be the best person we could possibly be.

My friend photographer Edric, & I, arrived at the SMX Convention Center at around 5:30PM for this year’s Manila Fame, Design Philippines 2013. It is a yearly exhibit of all the best that the Philippines has to offer in Fashion and Home Decors. It a ‘by-invitation only’ event, for future buyers of our local goods. Invited were the high-society’s elites, celebrities, politicians and buyers from all around the world. Manila Fame: Design Philippines 2013 is a showcase of the finest Filipino products, curated by the best artisans in our country. It was a rainy afternoon but It didn’t stop us to go to the most anticipating exhibit this year - the gathering of the Manila’s finest in arts & fashion.

I was invited by my future boss for my summer internship, Mr. Ken Samudio. A friend of one of the Philippines most respected fashion designer, Sir Ken introduced me to Mr. Joel Escobel. Mr. Escober is also a friend of few of my fashion designers and friends, Roland Alzate & Mr. Noel Crisostomo.

Mr. Ken Samudio is the creative director of the hippest accessory label today for young fashionistas, ‘Matthew & Melka’. I’ve also been his client because of his appealing design pieces which appeared on our different local fashion magazines. A favorite among Preview, Mega and Metro, his designs were already worn by Philippines’ most stylish personalities like Liz Uy, Mariel Rodriguez, Anne Curtis, Charlene Gonzales & Sarah Geronimo.

The next thing I knew, I was shopping. :)

His collection is hard to resist. Sparkling jewels and swarovski stones, adorned meshed metals for a young glamour appeal.

This necklace with 3D florals drives me crazy :) 

Summer-perfect!

For more of Ken Samudio’s ‘Matthew & Melka’, check this out.

Aside from Mr. Ken Samudio, there were other local accessory designers who showcased their crafts at the Manila Fame exhibit. Among my other favorites during the exhibit were Joyce Makitalo, Ann Ong, Natalya Lagdameo, Mich Dulce, Malou Romero & Aranaz. But not all designers and local brands allowed us to take photos of their products. I guess, this is to protect the ingenuity of their brand. Most of these brands are usually catering to the high-society elites.

In our generation today where most of us are screaming for labels, it became harder for these elites to identify themselves. Different local designers provide them high-quality, exemplary pieces which are produced very limitedly, or in the ‘most selfish’ and ‘most expensive’ cases, made only for them. Cheaper compared to the ones offered by other European and Italian designer labels, most of these local designers are ‘by appointment’ and usually, they get to choose their clients. The less their pieces are to appear in fashion magazines and online blogs, the more likely that these elites are to purchase their products . The bottomline there? Exclusivity.

JOANIQUE by Malou Romero

The ornamentation and the manipulation of Malou Romero’s Joanique pieces were impeccable. Precious stones, jeweled on twisted wires of Gold, embody a woman of substance, class, sophistication and contentment. The simplicity is not cheap, but its sophistication is a price of luxury. The Kaleidoscope Collection by Joanique is simply immaculate. In every angle on the display, each stones shine one at a time. Chances are, you might be blinded by the light.

 For more of Malou Romero’s ‘Joanique’, check this out.

RAGS2RICHES

Rags To Riches is an accessory line, offering eco-friendly particularly bags, which helps the women living in the depressed areas in Metro Manila. Their bags were almost made up of rags, hand-made by the women in San Juan, and the bags were manifactured in their warehouse. Few seasons back, they have collaborated with renowned Filipino fashion designers like Amina Aranaz-Alunan & Rajo Laurel. Their new collection is out, with Bianca Gonzales as their new brand ambassadress.

I could have this Red tote. I’m actually in love with it. :)

Few of the purses designed by Rajo Laurel

I had a chance to touch the bag, and look at it closely. The quality was actually very good.

For more of Rags2Riches, check this out.

JOYCE MAKITALO

What I love about Joyce Makitalo’s collection, seen at the Manila Fame exhibit, is the quality of her pieces. The semi-precious jewels, stoned on brass dipped on 24K Gold, remisced an era of ancient Egypt. Eyes were everywhere. These covetable pieces were extremely ordinaire in life. Joyce Makitalo’s design aesthetics made her one of the country’s best accessory designers, with international clients, like superstars, Kelly Rowland & Katy Perry. Her designs already appeared on the pages of international fashion magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire & Women’s Wear Daily.

Too bad, we haven’t got the chance to meet the star designer. Instead, we met at the exhibit her husband, who was very welcoming and generous to us, that aside from taking photos of her wife’s intricately-beautiful pieces, he also let me try them.

That one in the bottom, with big white stone is my favorite. It was quite heavy, but my finger loved it that I had a hard time taking them off. haha :)

For more of Joyce Makitalo’s designs, check this out. 

ARANAZ

Aranaz is a favorite among many high-society socialites. They have their stores in Greenbelt and Powerplant Mall. Aside from their high-fashion purses, Aranaz never fail to offer collections that are 100% Filipino, with the use of our ingenuous local materials like Capiz and Coconut shells.

It was love at first sight.

Now I believe in love at the second sight. :)

A preview of Aranaz’ new collection which will be out in few weeks

—

Words by: Birgitta

© Andi Altamira ‘She is Birgitta!’ 2013 All Rights Reserved

INSTAGRAM: iambirgitta

Photography by: Edric Borja

© Edric Borja Photography 2013 All Rights Reserved

Why do people keep pushing away that person who loved them so much? I just find it weird that while a lot of people in this city is trying their very best to be loved, to be deserving of that something others have been dying to have and experience, a lot of people are running away from it. How could someone turn down something that others are dying to have? Well, for some men, they let them in, let that girl come to their life, try if it will work out, and that girl who is willing to give everything became obsessed of loving that guy, turned out, that the guy is not really into the relationship. What will happen to her? Will there be miracles to save her heart?

Love is not a game. Well, for a helplessly-romantic person like me. Love is security for some of us who are unsure of how we fit in the society. It gives us the assurance that no matter how imperfectly we see ourselves, there will always be someone who will see the beauty in us, that no matter how wrong we lived, someone will realize the reasons of our actions. Love is a commitment for those who don’t want play any role in this world, but to be the ‘lover’. These people are full of love to share but in unfortunate cases, no one dared to love them. Will there be? Or are we just pessimists? Believing the unbelievable is a challenge. For some, it is impossible. But after all that happened between him and I, I find it hard to believe again. Maybe I became too consumed about this whole idea of ‘love’ – that passionate, romantic, intimate, and always-there love. I believed in dreams, prayers and possibilities. Maybe I believed in them too much.

On that cold December night, I thought of the plans that I made for us. Christmas is just a few wake-ups ahead. This would’ve been the happiest holiday of my life, with the man I’ve always dreamed of. Oh, and I forgot, he’s not yet a man. He’s still a boy, with a look so innocent and fragile. His stare could have a calling from down under. I didn’t let the sadness eat me up alive. The next day, I went out to do the most exciting thing that a young single girl could do in times like this – shopping. Luckily, the most awaited time of the year for young and non-working fashionistas is happening – the End of Season Sale. Somehow, the sadness was suddenly replaced with madness - A madness that won’t make me a loser in the end. I don’t know if this whole set-up will work out, but right now, I just need something to be obsessed about – clothes.

After my failed relationship with him, it dawned me to this idea – I’m just 19 years old, and it’s the best time to live my life. Being a teenager is the best privilege that we can have in our lives. We can be the most selfish version of ourselves, we have no responsibilities yet, and no dues to pay. But this privilege expires. So I thought to myself, “Why not start living like a 19 year-old today, and stop chasing for a chance that I can still have later on? A better chance, a smarter chance – A chance that won’t hurt anymore, a chance that won’t make me cry again.” And I guess this is still all about believing, believing that a ‘chance’ will still come in my life.

Style is one factor in Fashion that helped to create icons. It is something innate in us that excludes us from the rest. To be stylish is not to buy everything you want. If you want to be someone worthy to be an ‘icon’, first, you must know yourself. 

For the past three years of my life as a fashion savvy, I’ve learned a lot of things in style and shopping. I’ll be sharing with you ALL my style tips and Fashion secrets to guide you in your way become that person you always wanted to be. :) So before you fit in your tight - hugging mini dress or platformed pumps, mind to ask these questions to yourself first:

“Why am I dressing up?” — Are you dressing up to fit in your circle?  or Are you dressing up for a guy? You must put in your mind that you are dressing up for yourself not for everyone else. Yourself has to your first admirer and lover before others. Step out of your closet when you are in your most confident self. Why? because for someone to be worthy of attention, she has to have that extra special something — in her walk, in her eyes, in her smirk, in her demeanor — and I guess you already know what’s that magic word. 

“Where am I going” — This is the most important of all the questions that you have to ask yourself before deciding on what to wear. “Where am I going?” Just always be conscious if you’re going out at day or night, the people whom are you gonna be dealing with, and how are you going to get to that place you intend to. As much as your wallet can afford you, take the cab. 

“For whom I’ll be dressing up?” — We all want attention. We all want to be noticed. But aside from stealing the show, you must always put in your mind that you deserve respect. I’m sure you don’t want an overnight guy. To avoid this, you must be conscious on what you are wearing and on how large the portion of your skin you are revealing. You don’t need to show a lot of yourself to be attractive. Baring your arms or legs at the same time is a no-no. If you do want to be stylish and worthy of respect, try to cover your skin a bit. If you are bearing your arms, do not show a lot of your legs, and vise versa. Since teenage girls nowadays are falling to this idea of beauty, its getting harder and harder to determine who we really are. If your friends are baring everything to be vogue, try showing some skin one at a time. Look who’s gonna stand out in your posse.

“What do I have?” — Most of us have this misconception that we cannot be fashionable because we don’t have that much clothes. The trick there? You must have the classics: A white tank top/crisp white shirt, A tailored blazer (FYI: Tailored means it has to have a lining), perfect fitting trousers (for your body type), black pumps, and and a sturdy bag. With this, you can shop for more add-ons to add more spice in your building closet.

“What’s your budget?” — It’s important to know how much money you have in order for you to have that shopping extravaganza. Shopping requires discipline. To know more, here are my shopping guidelines:

1. DO NOT MAKE A SHOPPING LIST — Trust me, you won’t be able to follow that list 100%. Instead of making one, try making a “Wish list”. With that, you will be able to manage more the things that’s keeping you up all day and night. There can be times that you are opting for that studded bag and you came across with a bold-colored-yellow shift dress ala ‘Gossip Girl’, perfect with a pair of stockings and your favorite ankle boots. And you’re feeling New York City just by then. So what did you do? Yes, I bought the dress and forget about the bag. Haha :)

2. EAT A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE BEFORE YOU SHOP — I do this whenever I’m depressed and I’m about to shop. Chocolates have this special something in it that makes your neurons up, resulting to emotional shift. So by the time your foot enter in your favorite boutique, you’ll be in the mood for shopping.

3. DO NOT BUY SOMETHING CUTE — You heard it right. Do not buy something cute, instead, buy something great, worthy of every peso you’re willing to spend. Think of the store and the pieces they’re offering you. Does the price equate to the quality state of the garment? Personally, I don’t feel shopping in stores with unironed clothes. Why? because I don’t even know if those stores realize how much money their customers are willing to pay for their goods. They should know. 

4. DO NOT BE TRIGGERED BY YOUR FRIENDS — There are times when we shop with our friends, our energy is at its hiatus and our emotions are overflowing that we forget to listen to our hearts. “Do you really want it?”, “Do you really need it now?” It’s good to have friends with you when you shop, but choose only those who really know you, and what Fashion really is. 

5. THINK OF THE VERSATILITY OF THE PIECE — Think of every single detail of the piece you are buying and consider the pieces you already have. Does it compliments your wardrobe? Then you should buy it. But if you don’t really want it, leave it.

6. DO NOT BUY IT BECAUSE YOU WANT IT. BUY IT BECAUSE YOU REALLY WANT IT AND YOU ARE CRAZY ABOUT IT — It’s my favorite mantra. It’s also the reason why I started building up my closet later after I started shopping for my style. I never bought something that is not special, that’s why I consider every piece in my closet, a treasure. 

7. DO NOT FORGET THE BASICS — The basics/classics may not be really special because of its simplicity. No prints, no embellishments,  but these are actually the pieces that will keep your closet alive. If you can’t spend too much on them, buy them on sale to optimize your budget. 

8. GO CRAZY, ONLY DURING SALE PERIOD — It’s the only time when I can get every piece that I ‘feel’ and not really ‘want’. Follow your favorite stores on their social networking pages. Months before the sale, prepare your budget and your wishlist. During sale period, come on the opening time of the store and grab everything you ‘feel’ like wearing. Go crazy, but do not forget the right fit. Sometimes you can be really overwhelmed by the fact that it’s on sale that you forget that it’s a bit tight or a bit long. Have the right mindset on sale, and go crazy! If you are having second-thought of a piece, ask the store’s sale assistants to have them reserved for you and come back the other day.

9. BE NICE TO EVERYONE INSIDE THE STORE — As much as possible, smile. Do not be mad at the sales lady if the garment you wish is out of stock. You can ask him/her to have it checked on the other stores. In some stores, they will get your contact number to update you with the availability of the garment. Be nice to them because remember, they are in the store the whole day, greeting every anonymous people coming in their store and are willing to serve any customer. They deserve a smile, don’t they? :)

10. BUY ACCESSORIES — Accessories can change the vibe of your look. If you are going to be crazy on something, go crazy on accessories. For me, I always love statement pieces. I prefer Filipino jewellery maker Ken Samudio’s Matthew & Melka (You can check out their Facebook Page) & Mango Touch.

11. DO NOT BUY SOMETHING BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS WEARING IT — It’s good to wear trendy items sometimes, but not all the time. You are born to be an icon not a copycat. You must stand out not blend in. 

12. DO NOT BUY IN THAT STORE JUST BECAUSE YOUR FRIENDS ARE BUYING THEIR STUFF THERE — Consider your budget. Can you afford the store’s goods? Does it fit your style? and, Do they have great quality pieces? Do not fall into that bandwagon of being “one of them”. Remember, what matters at the end of the day is you, and how you really feel about yourself.

13. DO NOT BE ASHAMED TO VISIT THRIFT STORES — There were actually times when I can’t afford even a Bench. So what I did was, I rummaged for every thrift store in the Metro and found some really great pieces that I can keep in my ‘treasure’s chest’. Of course, to shop there you must have a good taste, and good taste can’t be acquired. For you master the art of shopping both in high end boutiques and cheap thrift store, you must first be able to learn the science of good garments. There are actually a lot of thrift stores in Cubao, Quezon City but there are my top picks:

a.) Fashion De Lite (In font of PureGold) - Don’t shop there on heels. They offer a lot of garments. I mean, A LOT. Opting for boots? It’s a one way stop. The store is also air-conditioned so you don’t have to worry about the heat and shoving. 

b.) Kabunyan Thrift Shop (in front of Gateway Mall, along Aurora Boulevard) — They have great pieces there. Inside the store are other specialty stores that offer original DVDs, VCDs and CDs of your choice, stuff toys and books. The secret? (There’s this store inside Kabunyan that offers authentic bags like Gianfranco Ferre and Vivienne Westwood, neckties from Versace & Yves Saint Laurent, French dolls and other some thrift stuff from the store owner’s trips. 

c.) Passerby (Along Edsa, near the MRT - Cubao Station Overpass) — No need to worry about the pollution along EDSA because it’s air conditioned, plus their selected handbags and shoes from Gucci and Prada, and their selections on boots and pumps.

(There are also thrift stores along Farmer’s Plaza. When you went to Passerby, turn left, infront of Jollibee. The stores are just across Fashion De Lite, STI(? if I’m not mistaken) and Chowking. On the right side of the street is the Farmer’s Plaza and Araneta Coliseum.)

When you go thrift shopping, consider always the quality of the piece you are buying. Do not just grab everything.

14. ALWAYS THINK OF THE MONEY YOU ARE SPENDING — Think of how your parents worked hard for the money you are spending to shop for things that will flatter you. With that, always consider everything that I’ve said to optimize your budget. Every peso counts, so never settle for less, or something cute. 

Remember, at the end of it all, what really matters is you, and how you feel about yourself. Happy Shopping! :)

—-