SHOPPING EDITOR REBECCA RODRIGUEZ ON WHAT’S HOT
shop alerts
MARC JACOBS
Fashion’s coolest and most infl uential designer, Marc Jacobs is out to captivate Manila. Avid Marc Jacobs followers will find a lively collection of handbags, small leather goods and shoes in the Marc Jacobs Collection Accessories store in Greenbelt 4. With less than 20 freestanding Collection stores worldwide, it is a real privilege that his store has hit the Manila fashion scene. Marc Jacobs Collection line is a peculiar combination of elegance and youth, subtlety and non-conformity. Accessories are modern and inspirational with a vintage inspired luxury touch. Each season offers a complete and cohesive collection grounded in strong yet subtle recognizable signatures.
Marc Jacobs is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Stores Specialists Inc, and is located at Greenbelt 4.
KATE TORRALBA
Kate Torralba describes her quintessential clothing line confidently as fun, feminine and fl attering. And she’s spot on with simple shapes that make use of bold colors and prints, embroidery and patchwork details, all of which have a hint of humor and quirkiness. In addition to fashion and function, KT’s clothing is also multi-tasking and the dead giveaway is a matching bag that comes with every top or dress. Expect limited edition pieces embellished the KT way. The store will also carry bags, belts, shoes and home accessories. If that is not enough, Mr Miuster is a canine line inspired by her mischievous fox terrier Miu Miu (who is well-represented in the store via sculptures from Leroy New). A sure-fire hit will be Kate Torralba’s Mini-Me collection, miniature versions of her chic mom’s outfits. Men will love the embroidered shirts as well. Kate Torralba is located on the second fl oor of Greenbelt 5.
For enquiries, tel +632 729-8455 or +632 729-1229 and text +63917-5001229 or email ktorralba@gmail.com.
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THE T-SHIRT PROJECT From Spoofs comes The T-Shirt Project. Choose from music-related shirts, statement shirts, renditions of logos of popular brands, movies and TV shows. Many like them as they are fashionable, others see them as just plain funny. Either way you can’t go wrong with them. Located at Tiendesitas, Glorietta II, Sta Lucia East, TriNoma, Greenhills, Alabang Town Center, and Metro Market! Market! www.thetshirtproject.ph |
beauty

HERBAN ESSENTIALS TOWELETTES
Traveling often means ducking into dodgy gas station restrooms and cramped plane toilets. Herban Essentials’ Towelettes will keep you spick and span. High-quality essential oils, makes them antibacterial and antiseptic. A handbag sized pack has 20 individually wrapped towelettes. Different scents have different benefits: eucalyptus for congestion; lavender is calming; lemon is an aftershave, and peppermint can be laid on pulse points to relieve motion sickness.
Price: PHP645/USD15.63, from Aura Athletica at Power Plant Mall.
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SMILEY EAU DE PARFUM Price: 30ml, PHP1,350/USD32.65; 50ml, PHP1,850/USD44.74; 100ml, PHP2,250/ USD54.41, from Rustan’s Essenses. |
gadgets
SIGG WATER BOTTLE
Ditch the plastic water bottles and treat yourself to an eco-friendly and insanely pretty SIGG reusable water bottle. Being Swiss-engineered, these cool bottles for kids and adults are virtually indestructible and designed to keep liquids tasting great. They’re made of aluminum so not only will you be drinking in style but with a SIGG bottle, you will instantly help reduce the millions of plastic bottles thrown out every single day.
Price: from PHP850/USD20.56 to PHP1,250/ USD30.23 depending on size. For more information, email ida_gomez@yahoo.com or tel 0917-8016836.
THE BODY SHOP WHITE MUSK FOR MEN HAIR AND BODY WASH
Since men often love to travel light, The Body Shop’s White Musk for Men Hair and Body Wash is perfect for those on the go. Cruelty-free musk forms a distinctive, addictive masculine character to the scent. Bonus points go to the all-over cleansing and conditioning action.
Price: PHP750/USD18.14, from The Body Shop stores nationwide.
CDS
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Blackout by Britney Spears Britney’s done it again, returning to her pop roots, infused with electronica, R&B and club tracks. First single Gimme More is a brilliantly catchy dance-pop number. If you can forget Brit’s bald and erratic behavior, this is the Madonna of her generation back on top form with the help of super-hot producer Danja, who has produced for Justin Timberlake, Bloodshy and Avant and The Neptunes. Standout tracks include Break The Ice, Piece of Me, Heaven on Earth, and Why Should I Be Sad. |
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Raising Sand by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss The musical collaboration of the decade, Raising Sand is the sound of two iconic figures stepping out of their respective comfort zones and letting their instincts lead them across a brave new sonic landscape. Despite hailing from distinctly different backgrounds, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant share a maverick spirit and willingness to extend the boundaries of their respective genres. This spirit, expertly honed by producer T-Bone Burnett, has resulted in an album pitched three steps beyond some cosmic collision of early urban blues, spacious West Texas country, and the untapped potential of the folk-rock revolution. Raising Sand finds Robert Plant and Alison Krauss exploring popular music’s elemental roots while still sounding effortlessly, breath-takingly contemporary. |
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In Rainbows by Radiohead As the real life drums give way to a barely distinguishable electronic counterpart, singer Thom Yorke trails off, his piano gently uncoils, and the song ends with a whimper. The whole thing is an extended metaphor and, this being Radiohead, it’s heavy-handed in its way, but it’s also a fitting close to such a human album. |
gadgets
YUBZ TALK MOBILE
Retro’s the way to go and there’s nothing like Yubz, a cute handset designed to be used with a mobile phone. As an extension, just attach it to your mobile and say goodbye to heating up your ears. This classic handset experience comes with a “Yubz-answering” button. Bulky as it may seem, it will make it easier to cradle the receiver between the ear and shoulder. Price: PHP2,195/ USD53, from Rustan’s Department Store and leading electronic stores nationwide.
ODM TIM YAP LIMITED EDITION 2 WATCH
If you are high on a patriotic vibe, dig the ODM Tim Yap Limited Edition 2 watch. Dubbed as the “Yaparrazi”, Tim and graphic design studio Team Manila collaborated on this to showcase Pinoy pride. The watch comes in a matt black, with “Super Pilipinas” embossed on the bracelet. And that’s not all, it also comes with a scrolling message: “I’m Super Proud to be Pinoy” on the face. There’s nothing like loving your country. See our Team Manila feature on page 60.
Price: PHP5,250/USD127, from L Timestudio stores and leading department stores nationwide.
tried & tested
My Favorite…
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Murad Day Reform treatment, available at Rustan’s Essenses by Ana G. Kalaw Writer/stylist/ businesswoman With discipline, this is well worth the effort. It strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, helps retain moisture and repel pollutants. |
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Lush’s Coalface soap by Val de los Santos Model/entrepreneur Coalface is a must-have for the no-muss, no-fuss girl or guy on the go. It gets its color (and other fine cleansing properties) from ground charcoal, which is surprisingly good for the skin. It helps absorb excess sebum and moderately exfoliates. The new “must have” that challenges conventional fl owery products. |
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Aromacology Sensi VCO Hair Treatment, I love how this organic treatment makes my hair healthy, really shiny and eliminates frizz! It’s affordable, Philippines-made and the rich texture of the virgin coconut oil feels amazing on my hair. |
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Dior Rouge Lipstick, |
books
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper Price: PHP585/USD14.15, from Powerbooks, National Bookstore, A Different Bookstore and Fully Booked branches nationwide. |
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The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn Price: PHP 379/USD9.34 at all leading stores. |
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The Camel Club by David Baldacci Price: PHP349/USD8.44, from same stockists as top. |
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