Bagging an elegant, value-for-money look

Dear Lucy,

I want to invest in a nice bag, a luxury brand that will give me value for money. I am partial to big bags, so preferably it should be quite roomy and classic, too, so I can use it for many years to come.

Also, I love the height of heels, but am wary of how they can kill the feet. Is there not a compromise somewhere? Must I suffer for fashion?

Juanita

I think you will love the newly restyled D Bag from Tod’s. It has an elegant shape that you will love to use for many, many days, through many, many years. It is made of calf-skin material.

For shoes, there is a happy compromise. First, look for quality, quality, quality. Do not fall prey to very cheap ones and neither should you go for very expensive ones just for the heck of it.

Always try on shoes, walk in them. Do not believe the salesgirl when she says it will still break in. Chances are, if they don’t feel comfortable the first time around, they won’t still tomorrow, next week, next year. Feet are different from person to person so what is comfortable for one may feel differently for the other. I also find that a little platform always adds to the comfort. I think it absorbs/cushions the pressure a bit. Not to mention it is sexy like anything. My best bets for platform shoes that do not cost a fortune: Aldo, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman.

Lucy

* * *

Schu Stoppers

Dear Rissa, 

I feel like I’m stuck in a rut with my wardrobe. I love shoes — can I easily update my look with fashionable shoes? Where can I find the latest styles that won’t cost me an arm and a leg?

Sheila

Shoes will always be a woman’s best friend. Not merely a simple accessory, they instantly add punch to your wardrobe. The shoe is a great place to have fun and play with colors, textures, and shapes. In these pocket-pinching times, the smart recessionista knows that the easiest way to update your look without having to spend a lot is through accessories like shoes. They can instantly transform outfits from ordinary to extraordinary and from boring to phenomenal. Shoes have become a fashion statement that punctuates a woman’s personality and style. 

 You definitely have to check out Schu (located at Glorietta 3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Robinsons Galleria, SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma, and Chimes, Felcris Specialty Store, Davao City). Designed in Padova-Italy and France through their designers based there, Schu has always been one step ahead with the latest fashion trends of Europe. Whether you’re in need of sharp-looking shoes for work, beautiful stilettos for cocktails or chic and comfy flat sandals for your weekends, Schu boasts the perfect footwear for all occasions. You’ll fall in love with their must-haves for the season such as Brogues, jazz shoes, flats with ankle cuffs, and colorful and comfy ballet flats.

 Schu has always been a favorite of mine. My model friends know so well the countless times I’ve bought shoes from Schu that they tease me about it. I’ve worn out a handful of favorite pairs until their last breath, but I would buy a new pair of the same style again simply because I loved them so much! Yes, they were that stylish, comfortable, AND affordable. For frugal fashionistas and shoe lovers like me, the prices of Schu are so reasonable you can indulge your shoe fetish and have pair of Schu for every occasion.

 Another shoe haven to check out is the SM Department Store. At one party, I praised a magazine editor for her fabulous black gladiator mile-high wedges. Were they from Nine West? Zara? Aldo? I had to ask where she got them! She shared that her fabulous find was from Parisian at SM Department Store! I was blown away with excitement. I couldn’t resist getting myself a pair at SM. Indeed, they’ve really got it all for you.

Rissa

* * *

Low-Maintainance Skincare

Dear Ms. Tingting,

I appreciate your advice on proper skincare and the products you recommend, some of which are surely affordable and available in regular beauty counters.

Though I’m now enjoying glowing skin, dark spots are my number one skin problem.

What daily skincare regimen can you recommend that will help assure my good skin remains low-maintenance and problem-free?

Ms. Vanity

Maintaining the right habits like using sunscreen daily, avoiding smoking, even second-hand smoke, and getting plenty of antioxidants will assure you of good skin. Protect your skin and it will protect you.

You can choose to see a dermatologist right away for a professional prescription or you can try this daily skincare regimen I do. See how it works for you:

A.M.

1. Wash with Ivory soap.

2. Apply Eskinol Clear with grains.

3. Apply vitamin C on top of Biorica Anti-age available at Dr. Cervantes or Derma Perm at Dr. Val Herbosa.

4. Apply sunscreen with SPF 50 before applying absorbing powder.

P.M.

1. Wash with Ivory soap.

2. Apply Eskinol Clear with grains.

3. Apply vitamin C.

4. Apply night cream, Derm Perm or Sisleya Antiage Cream if skin is too dry.

Eye creams and serums can be applied before you apply sunscreen in the morning and after you apply moisturizer at night.

Tingting

* * *

Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.