Summer cruising

As the dog days of summer hastily creep up on our tropical paradise, I notice myself becoming eager and giddy. It’s precisely for the same reason I used to look forward to summer vacation as a child: school’s out for summer, the given time of year to kick back, relax and let things loose. Hooray! Come summer, people take themselves less seriously and prefer clothes, which represent this wave of thought. Why elect to be stiff and boring when there’s a candy-colored world of summery clothes on the market? The sun’s rays automatically turn on the cruise control feature on everyone’s control panels. With summer here in full force, it’s only natural to want to take things easy and glide by. Chill out and relax: chillax shall we say? The stifling heat is hard to bear and it’s invigorating to know that Regatta offers a line to help you achieve a fresh look while feeling relaxed in laidback clothing that’s hip and fun!

To escape the heat of summer and still have you looking your very best, Regatta presents cool, colorful clothing that is perennially classic with a modern touch. Tasteful and trendy, they are clothes you simply want to wear. Easy and still stylish, the Summer ’05 collection offers preppy chic ensembles that will make you look like you stepped straight out of Lilly Pulitzer-ville. This summer’s set features clothes that echo Palm Beach prep throughout its collection. Bright, cheerful solids and prints can make any drab day dazzling just by donning a piece from Regatta’s summer line.

Wonderful monogrammed, honeycomb collared baby tees are available in an assortment of vivid candy colors that are summer-uniform worthy. They are perfect to sport on those laidback days by the beach or in the city. Hues to watch out for are pinks (coral and fuchsia), blues (turquoise and pearl), orange, brown and summer’s constant fave, white. Paired with white pants or capris, they work well for an ideal everyday outfit. Baby tees and fresh long-sleeved shirts work terrifically as well. You’ll never run late or stand in front of your mirror having a hissy fit on what to wear as your outfits are already lined up for you at Regatta.

For a dressier evening look, opt for fun, flirty, asymmetrically designed knit tops, which can be paired with chunky accessories. Regatta loves to incorporate edgy takes on familiar cuts. There’s a bevy of modern but edgy tops to select from and they are fantastic for a night out. Other choices include airy cotton skirts in vibrant floral or striped patterns that are feminine and playful.

During summer, most people are on vacation mode but for those who absolutely have to be in the corporate world, Regatta’s pieces are versatile enough to go from the office to out with friends. Many of the tops work just as well under a blazer as when they are sported out at night. Smart, casual clothing is key for the discerning, contemporary woman. Regatta makes it a point to keep things simple for the customer on the go. Clients can jazz up day wear with accessories of any sort to go from day to night in an instant. Whether you dress the clothes up or down, they are clothes you can pack and not have to think twice about. They’re uncomplicated: weekday wear, weekend attitude. There is also an extensive range of accessories to choose from, including bags, shoes and scarves to add some pizzazz to your overall look.

Made mainly from natural fibers, Regatta’s clothes are comfortable and feel smooth against the skin. Sticklers for quality, Regatta’s owners Tricia Tarriela, Mia Dragon-Floirendo, Carissa Cruz, Michelle Castillo and Annette Gozon-Abrogar carefully select fabric that is suitable for our toasty climate. Though Regatta has been a long-standing fixture on Manila’s fashion circuit (since 1989), ownership changed hands in 2003 and has since then expanded from its original outlet to locations in Greenbelt 3 and Glorietta 3. A ladies, men’s and a children’s line are available so the cool preppy look can resonate through everyone in your family.

Best selling items for women include baby tees; asymmetrical, knit, halter, tube and long-sleeved tops; denims, pants and capris. Men’s items that fly off the shelves are logo tees, honeycomb collared shirts and board shorts. Women’s prices begin at P495 and above

for tops, P845 and above for bottoms while men’s clothing begins at P425 and up for tops and P795 and above for bottoms. With price tags this good, you’ll want to stock up for the summer and beyond!

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Photographer Mon Mangila can be contacted at 0917-5371324.