DEAR RISSA,
I’m traveling to Europe this month. It’s my first time and I’m excited. I have limited space in my suitcase. What’s the one pair of shoes you think I should pack?
JENA
Definitely a pair of flats. They don’t have the transformative power of high heels, but they’re chic and timeless. And on those days when your feet can no longer endure those heels — in your bag, your flats will be happily waiting for you. Your feet will thank you for it.
Ballet flats are a staple in every chic woman’s closet. Cocorose London is a must in your shoe wardrobe. Cocorose London is the award-winning boutique designer shoe brand that specializes in ballet flats. They’re foldable shoes that actually feel like real shoes!
Unlike other foldable ballet flats that have thin soles and are painful to the feet, Cocorose London ballet flats boast orthopedic cushioning both on the front sole and the heel base, that’s why they’re ultra comfortable. The shoes are made of a mix of materials such as lambskin, calfskin, exotics, pony hair, vegan leather, fabric, and suede so your feet are always enveloped in the softest and most luxurious material. Important for me is the sole — Cocorose London makes sure every shoe is equipped with a special non-slip traction outer sole with a 5mm heel. It’s a tiny heel, but it can make a world of difference. Studies have shown that it’s not good for the feet to be totally flat on the floor. A little elevation is healthier not just for the feet but better for your back, too. Cocorose London is quite addicting because, apart from being one of the softest ballet flats, they come in super stylish designs, too, making you always picture-pretty for an #OOTD or selfie you plan to take while exploring Europe! And because they’re foldable and compact, these ballet flats are space-savers and give you extra luggage space to shop extra. Enjoy your trip!
RISSA
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Traveling light is right
DEAR LUCY,
How do I travel stylishly? I want to wear heels and look camera-ready just like the Hollywood celebrities (not that I am a celebrity). What are your thoughts on this?
APRIL
I think it will be easier to define what not to do. Don’t carry too many bags. No matter how nice you look and how well-dressed you are, do not be one of those who has a bag on each shoulder, aside from one on each hand plus a trolley. You have to travel light and make it look easy. That said, make sure your trolley is efficient in that it can carry all your essentials. The only other thing you can carry on top of that is a hand or shoulder bag. Get one of those bag organizers that you can slip in your handbag so that your things are organized and you do not have to rummage through it to get what you need.
In terms of wearing high heels, that is possible for as long as they are comfortable. I doubt if you can find high heels that you can run in, so your best option is to wear stylish flats, and if you really want to wear high heels, then you can bring a pair that you can slip on as you step out of the airport.
Bring a nice jacket and a beautiful shawl to keep you warm as it is always chilly on the plane and in the airport.
LUCY
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The unkempt hair trick
HI, REGINA!
I want to get that just-rolled-out-of-bed tousled texture, but I can’t seem to figure out how to make my hair do it. Any tricks you can share?
BARBARA
If you were born with the pin-straight, silky hair that conditioner commercials have been selling us all our lives, then I hate to break it to you, but that texture is going to be a little trickier to accomplish. If you already have a slight wave, though, then that French girl cool should be more achievable.
I find that the secret is not to shampoo and condition on the day that you need your hair to be fabulously and effortlessly unkempt. Shampoo and condition the day or night before, then let your hair air dry. I wash my hair every other day (or if I feel the need to wash on consecutive days, I do it at night) because second-day hair always seems to look best. It has more body and volume, and it holds a style better (and the extent of my styling is twisting my hair up into a bun and leaving it that way to set for 15 minutes).
If you want to amp up the texture, or get that beachy look, then a sea salt spray or dry shampoo should help you with that. Osmo and Lush carry sea salt mists for hair, and Kérastase has an aerosol-based dry shampoo on the market. Spritz a bit of the sea salt mist through your hair, or blast your roots with dry shampoo, then tousle your tresses with your fingertips for a more naturally undone look.
REGINA
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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com. or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.