Heads to the floor, for Janice Minor.

This, my friends, is the art of "making do".

Taking photos for the blog using my iphone and a mirror. 

Perhaps I loved the mirrors too much.. or perhaps I was too flattered that our ceo commented that I had great taste in fashion. Hahaha. I'm so not modest right now. Forgive me but it felt like a medal. I'm a huge fan of his well-educated taste! He believes that when you're tasteful bout dressing yourself up, you're most likely the same about the physical aspects of furniture design. He believes that fashion sets the bar for trends in the furniture and accessory world. 

When there's a need to dress corporately and ready for some factory/ site action I throw on soft pants. Oxblood was my easy choice. I paired it with a loose navy blue, oversized, tribal top because I'm a fan of a deep tone on deep tone combination when I want to wear bolder colors. Green and blue low heels to counter the laziness of my top adding a little polished feel. Not to mention, the hint of green will make the blue-red ensemble more interesting. No inecessary accessories, no fuss.. utmost comfort, ultimate performance!  It' s always a fun challenge to look corporate and respectable whilst keeping it extremely functional, fashion- forward, young, and not trying too hard! They key is to play with patterns, prints, textures or color schemes to make it interesting yet polished. Never get to crazy, never scream for attention. :)

That's me taking a coffee break after the looong day of showroom and factory field-tripping.

Pretty right? HAHA.

So we took this client to a "shopping spree" at Janice Minor for things they could import and resell back in their country. We booked an appointment and  it was going to be my first time to be at their main showroom-cum-factory in Mactan. 

Allow me to take you through a quick tour. This isn't a paid ad or a promotion. In fact, we really aren't allowed to take photos in a designer's showroom so I'll just share a few. You may book an appointment with them to see the pieces in the flesh. Or catch them in one of the furniture and home accessory shows like Manila Fame and Philconstruct! :)

It's well tucked in a residential area without landmarks and with lots of bump in the road.. as most furniture and accessory factories here in Cebu. We stepped in and I was astounded step upon step, I'm not even exaggerating.  I was entranced by the mystique, artistry, and dark charm the place had. I've been to other factories and showrooms in Cebu and believe me when I say, Janice Minor is one company that is very consistent with their branding.. very sure about its aesthetics and personal identity ... the kind that does not conform but rather draws you in and convinces you of its unique beauty and makes you a believer. 

Moorish lamps have a special place in my heart! 

 Curious items like these.

 Love these lamps that have clear glass bottles of different shapes as base. :)

 Mystique chandeliers and tea light holders.

We saw this mirror frame actually being hand-made, hand-painted. It was pretty awesome. Reminds me of an Indian head dress or an African forest.

 I fancy tables with rustic-finished metal legs and roughly-cut wood or stone as top.. they're industrial and natural at the same time. Also, notice the vintage globes reminiscent of old english libraries and ships

A skull. How creepy, bad-ass and brilliant all at the same time! 

Globe made of galvanized iron

 Mirrors that make great decors for bare walls

 Again, clear glass. Can't help but connect this with the current fashion fad on acrylic clutches and plexi-glass heels :)

And of course, one of the things Janice Minor is very popular about.. ox heads!! They come in different shapes and sizes. It looks gothy at first but when placed in the right set, it can be the perfect, modern, statement accessory! Lady gaga will love this place. ;)

So there! I've always been able to pass by the old Janice Minor showroom along Talamban but when I made it to their main showroom, just like my client who ended up splurging more than I've probably spent in my entire lifetime, I was instantly made a fan. Hands and head to the ground in prostrate. With the display of artistry, matched with the mood and lighting, you will not walk out of the showroom the same. Janice Minor is no less than an artisan extraordinaire. Check out their site here.

What do you think about more design- related posts on this blog? :)

**Pants: Night market in Baguio** Top: Blind Clohing** Shoes: Ichigo 

Feria

Here's something that I would wear to work when I have to head straight to dinner without putting on or taking off anything. My first ever client, Ninang Memnet, took Buddy and I out for dinner, because we never got to celebrate their newly renovated home which we finished late last year since we went straight to board exam reviews in Manila. I only got to visit the finished product last summer and we all agreed to plan a dinner then to celebrate our passing the board. So this was it. It's better 8 months late than never, and it's always a joy to see the couple.

Ninang took us to Feria. I like buffeting when I'm out on beach trips with the family (Imperial Palace buffet bring my favorite for its wide-range of cuisines and quality dishes) but it was my first time at a Radisson Blu buffet, and that night what they had was Italian Thursdays. I surveyed the banquet before I picked up a plate and found myself drooling over fresh salads, cold-cuts, various kinds of cheese, bruschettas, pastas. Because I love cheese,  anything tomato, fresh spices, red and white sauce, olives, bread,  I'm a huge fan of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Even if  it was Italian night, there was still a japanese sushi bar, a dimsum corner, a dessert bar, and even a Filipino section at the far end. We were all stuffed silly, I imagined more rounds in my head but only ended up with 3. I need to practice my buffet skills! Thank you, Ninang, for the date. :)


On to the outfit, I wore a glittery knit sweater with my Zara origami skort dupe. Corporate wear varries from work environment to work environment, from industry to industry. Some are strict with slacs and blazers and long skirts but for those who have more freedom or those who are not required to dress corporately (but just want to because it helps you feel more confident like me) here are a few tips:

1.) After I got my professional license, I've been realizing how important thin sweater and pull-overs are to a working girl's wardrobe. They are a great substitute for polos, and can easily look effortlessly chic and stylish when mixed and matched. I never thought I'd fall in love with Uniqlo but now, It's one of my fave places because of their wide range of basics. Glad they're opening here in Cebu soon! (Or am I?) Play with texture, color, print. They're great with pants, great with skirts. They're also great with shorts for lazy weekends!

2.) Low Heels. I dont remember the last time I bought high heels.  I used to think: the higher the heel= more value for money but now,  I say low heels are a great investment! If you spend on high party heels why not on something you're more likely to wear more often? They are more comfortable, add instant height without the torture, and are the best touch to any corporate look! They make your look appear polished. Pointed shoes and ankle straps are my fave, they look extra classy. 

3.)  Never forget to wear a watch—preferably, a classic lady’s watch that’s both simple yet chic. Most people equate wearing a time piece to meaning business. It also gives the impression that every second of your working day counts. I'm not sure about the third statement, way too judgemental for me lol, but I think it's a must-have. Didn't realize this also until I owned one. The bf gave one to me on my birthday last year cos he thought "every architect needed one"-- I was still reviewing then.

4.) You are a woman. You don't need to hide it to look tough. You want look professional while retaining your femininity so do pepper your wardrobe or outfit with hints of it, such as lace, soft colors (in my case, some glitter)  or even subtle accessories such as...  pearl earrings! :)

5.) Prim and Proper. This isn't really applicable to creative industries like mine esp here in Cebu (love the island life!) but we could all use some "prim" when we're meeting clients or attending conferences. So aim for structure. Go for either: structured/ neatly-ironed/ well-tucked in/ geometrically striking pieces.  If you want to inject a bit of  fun, do it subtly, using scarves, simple jewelry, or a vintage/ colored office bag.

So there. Just a couple of style secrets you may or may not take. Dressing well makes a woman feel more confident and good about herself especially at work. And it surely won't go entirely unnoticed! You never know who you run into through-out the day! 

Oh and loose tops are great for buffets! ;)
Later, guys. <3


To add a little more info on Feria, let me quote:
"Another point in Feria's favor is that it changes the theme of its buffet from day to day, and if you time your visit right, you'll end up paying just half the usual rate for a spread this large. That means there's something for everyone on every day of the week. If you love seafood, check out Monday's Fresh Catch (P1,190 net for lunch/dinner). You get an array of selections for half the price on Unbelievable Tuesday (P595 net for lunch/dinner). Take a culinary trip around the world on Wednesday with the international buffet (P1,190 net for lunch/dinner), or savor the flavors of Italy with pizzas, pastas, and more onAmazing Cibo Thursdays (P595 net for lunch/dinner). If you're visiting on a Friday, it's well worth it to go twice over as Feria serves its international buffet for lunch (P1,190 net) and US Prime Rib buffet for dinner (P1,300 net). Lunch or dinner on Saturdays with your family or barkada is all about pigging out on great Chinese food with Feria's Wok on Saturdays (P595 net), while you get to end the week with the international buffet (P1,190) for both lunch and dinner on Sundays." --- www.kristn.com

Feria is the the restaurant on the ground floor of the Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu on Serging Osmeane Boulevard, corner Juan Luna Ave, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

**Top: Stylestunner Manila** Skort: Miss Mannequin**Shoes: Fashioncookie

Google them girls, they're all online! ;)