Shoppine online for plantita fashion, workout gear & local designers
I’ll let you in on a secret: one side effect of all these lockdowns is that I’ve discovered how easy and convenient it is to shop online, and now I’m totally addicted (shh, don’t tell my husband).
For my fashion and beauty essentials my go-tos are www.rustans.com and ssilife.com.ph, which have all the prestige brands I love and the kind of fast, efficient service I’m always looking for. The best part is that I don’t have to leave the house and within a few days my wishes are delivered right to my doorstep. Now that, to me, is real luxury.
Jessica: Fashions for your inner plantita
Jessica’s spring/summer 2021 collection is full of garden hints, making it perfect to express your inner plantita.
Natural elements are translated into bold floral embroidery, prints, and patterns, ruffled print tops, maxi dresses, billowy frocks, Bermuda shorts, and relaxed-cut trousers that play with proportions, mixing cropped styles with tiered layers.
The Bohemian trend is back, as seen in a tangerine mini-floral print, ruffles on a peasant skirt and pleated details on V-neckline tops.
Knit dresses are staples in every Jessica collection. This season it features a 1970s V-neck scallop stitch to retain haute Bohemian flavor.
In the Philippines, Jessica is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available at ssilife.com.ph . Follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.
Studio artesan: Showcasing our local designers
Since 7,640 islands make up our country, it’s easy to see why our culture is so rich and diverse. At Rustan’s Studio Artesan, it’s a delight to discover this multiplicity reflected in such a vibrant way.
Anthill Fabric Gallery: One of the first social enterprises in the local fashion industry, Anthill offers contemporary, stylish apparel made from weaves crafted by indigenous tribes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Etika Collective: Etika’s light and easy pieces are everyday wardrobe staples that every girl dreams of, made from natural, earth-friendly fabrics and locally crafted.
Everyday Pnay: Everyday Pnay was born out of a desire to create proudly Filipino fashion that could be worn on a daily basis and not just on “Filipiniana” day, and this ethos is perfectly captured in their Yakan pieces cut into modern silhouettes.
Kaayo: Started as a T’boli mother-and-daughter tandem, Kaayo’s popular styles have since put the brand on the map. Founder Marga Nograles’s incredible eye for design is clearly reflected in each piece. More than just a clothing brand, Kaayo aims to honor Mindanao and bring local fashion to the world.
Liwayway: Liwayway’s current collection is perfect for entertaining in style at home. The pieces are lounge-y but luxurious: shorts with embroidered coral details, richly patterned batik pants with beaded tassels, and elevated jumpsuits. Their tropical apparel complements the homeware collections also on offer.
Maison Metisse: If designer resortwear is what you’re after, look no further than Maison Metisse, which seamlessly blends global trends with its own perspective. The current collection has a “desert goddess” feel with its muted colors and tie-dye details. The brand also offers a core collection of comfortable cotton T-shirts with fun slogans like “The Future is Filipina.”
Sitara Vintage: Featuring rich patterns and colors, Sitara’s lounge and resort pieces are made from South Asian fabrics and combine the spirit of the Filipina traveler with a local sensibility. The bold prints exude easy confidence.
Style Ana: Style Ana’s creative director Sheryl Ann Buenaventura clearly knows what works best for flattering women’s bodies. Most of her designs feature relaxed terno sleeves that are easy to move in; paired with matching shorts, soft pants or wrap skirts.
Artisanal handbags, shoes and fashion accessories
Studio Artesan also has a line-up of eight fashion accessory brands, from favorites such as Ethnique and Viajecito, to store newcomers like jewelry brands Adornata and J Makitalo.
Adornata: Designer and artist Chynna Gonzalez’s love for color is reflected in the jeweled settings she creates for Adornata. Fine and demi-fine jewelry with a youthful spirit make for glamorous pieces to pair with your evening looks.
Ethnique: Fans of bohemian Filipino style have flocked to Ethnique for years for its must-have embroidered clutches and hand-loomed bags. This season, you can shop the brand’s colorful and versatile Samu jackets, made with hand-loomed fabric that is easy to wash and wear.
J Makitalo: Drawing inspiration from symbolism and sacred signs, award-winning designer Joyce Makitalo’s jewelry and sculptural objects are art pieces in their own right.
Kanya: More than serene, minimalist bags, Kanya is a social enterprise dedicated to the local development of Batangas sugarcane communities. Their vegan accessories and homeware are created through a conscious, low-environmental impact process that upcycles plant byproducts into high-end fabrics.
Matthew and Melka: Founded when designer Ken Samudio noticed a gap in the local market for luxury headwear, the brand’s artfully crafted headbands, whimsical bags, hats, and headscarves gained an international audience, selling in Moda Operandi, Bergdorf Goodman, Farfetch, and Harvey Nichols.
Misa: Misa creates simple, elegantly wearable jewelry that is carefully handcrafted and produced in small quantities. A believer in supporting local, Misa’s designs are inspired by the lives and stories of Filipino women.
TPWN Shoes: It began with a search for the perfect nude wedge. Manila-based Australian fashion editor and stylist Kimberly Fisher Horan used her expertise to create a line of sophisticated yet comfortable shoes made from the softest Italian Napa leather manufactured in Marikina.
Viajecito: A staple in every travel-loving Filipina’s closet, Viajecito’s trademark bags are not only fun and colorful but also lightweight, waterproof, and extremely durable. You can mix and match straps and accessories that come in the most beautiful, inventive colors.
It’s workout time again
Now that we’re back in lockdown, staying healthy means maintaining an active lifestyle even while we’re sheltering at home. Level up your fitness journey with Rustan’s workout and wardrobe must-haves.
For running and power walking: Adidas AlphaBounce and Purebounce Clima Plus running shoes are solid choices, even for casual walking. Put extra oomph into your apparel with Adidas How We Do Running Tights, compressive tights that support you with every step. Pair it with a Champion Reverse Weave Pullover Hoodie to help you sweat out those toxins faster, and keep your running essentials in Nike’s Running Waistpack.
For cycling: Whether you’ve just started cycling or are developing a passion for it, keep it comfy and stylish with Speedo’s Flipturn Hifive Sports Bra and Speedo shorts. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated with the Aladdin Water Bottle vacuum steel water tumbler.
For jump rope and strength training: If you’re into weight training, Chris Sklz Sports Mini Bands are an effective and versatile training tool that can be used to increase strength and stability in your upper and lower body.
Make weight training more fun and effective by adding jump rope to your cardio routine to help burn those calories. Get a durable one with padded grips and a center mounted like the Chris Sport Sklz Jump Rope to help you improve your speed and coordination.
For working out: Workout clothing makes exercise more effective by ensuring you can move freely while keeping you comfortable — the Adidas Sports Bra and Aeroknit Training Tee are designed for this specific purpose with its breathable material that helps wick away sweat effectively.
For everyday athleisure: Blur the lines between your workout wear and Zoom outfit with the Hackett Slim Fit Logo Shirt. Keep it casual yet chic by pairing a graphic logo tee from New Balance, Adidas, or Champion with a cute Adidas Originals Skirt. Finish off your look with footwear from Nike, HOFF, or Adidas for a practical yet fashionable athleisure ensemble. New Balance’s Floral Print Slides are cute and comfy slippers that let your toes breathe and are easy to clean. Pair it with a Champion Twill Cap and protect yourself from the sun.
For recovery: Recovery is just as important as going all-out with your workout. Aside from packing in protein, recover tired muscles quickly by kneading away aching spots with the Chris Sports’ Sklz Massage Bar and Sklz Accustick.
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All athleisure essentials and Studio Artesan products are available at www.rustans.com or through Personal Shopper On-Call at 0917-111-1952.
Be the first to know about the latest updates and offers by joining the Rustan’s LIVE Viber Community http://rstns.shop/RustansViber or follow RustansPH on Instagram and Facebook.
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Follow the author on Instagram @theresejamoragarceau.
