MANILA, Philippines - There are always things to consider come the Christmas season: your gift list, your own personal wish list and what to wear to the round of schmooze and booze fests penciled into your social calendar.
Get a clue as the brands within the Stores Specialists, Inc (SSI) and Rustan’s umbrella offer a plethora of choices that get you closer to achieving all three goals. Some are naughty, most of them are nice, but all are just downright desirable.
FCUK
The look: Utilitarian chic that combines tailored silhouettes, rigid shoulders and gradiated black with splashes of pop-out color and girly details.
Key pieces: Updated LBDs in form-hugging stretchy fabric or with extended cap sleeves in a more tailored fit
What to give for the holidays: Cheeky printed tees that don’t say much but send a message regardless.
What to keep for yourself: Lightweight tailored coats perfect for holiday travel
FCUK is available at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Tower at Shangri-La Plaza.
Lacoste
The look: Prep-school cool in pop-out bright colors
Key pieces: Snuggly pullovers and tees and polos emblazoned with the maxi-sized crocodile patch or logo
What to give for the holidays: One-color piqué tees in unexpected colors of orange, aqua or hot pink
What to keep for yourself: Those bomber jackets that you can layer over anything
Lacoste is located at Greenbelt 3.
Polo Ralph Lauren
The look: Old school Americana with a bubblegum pop twist
Key pieces: Comfortable jackets and pullovers in candy colors; tan-colored bags and leather accessories
What to give for the holidays: Braided leather key rings or sleek wallets in different finishes
What to keep for yourself: Slouchy canvas bags that can go anywhere and sporty old-school sneakers
Polo Ralph Lauren is available at Rustan’s Makati.
Michelis Makes A Splash With Wave Collection
The elegant ripples and spirals of the ocean waves gives life to sterling silver brand Micheli’s new collection. Aptly called the Wave collection, it includes fluidly-styled brooches, earrings, and rings that combine silver with luminescent pearls and mother-of-pearl.
For the younger set, Michelis, which is available at Rustans Tower at Shangri-La Plaza, Alabang Town Center and Ermita, have chunky chain necklaces that are nothing short of statement pieces, huge cocktail rings and dainty earrings that evoke other elements of nature such as bamboo and flowers.
Salvatore Ferragamo
The look: Lived-in and rugged but still retaining a sense of class and tradition
Key pieces: The Vara metal motif (plate etched with the distinct Ferragamo logo) on bags and round-toe flats for women; sporty chic sneakers in luxurious chocolate brown for men
What to give for the holidays: Belts or cufflinks with the iconic Ferragamo logo or silk scarves with pretty prints
What to keep for yourself: Animal print Vara flats. Get a structured bag to match.
Salvatore Ferragamo is located at Rustan’s Makati and Power Plant Mall
Michael Kors
The look: Stylish military meets modern English
Key pieces: Structured totes with chain details and hardware and studded booties
What to give for the holidays: Ceramic watches in muted colors, camo-print nylon bags or wallets
What to keep for yourself: Equestrian-style, calf-high boots that can go either urban or bohéme
Michael Kors is located at Rustan’s Makati, Level 1.
Fitflop
FitFlops are stylish footwear with multi-density midsole that stimulates the muscles while you wear them. Think of walking barefoot, only better. That is what FitFlop walking is like. The FitFlops microwobbleboard midsole is constructed out of non-absorbent EVA material, and built to last through over a million flexes.
For those who like to walk in comfort and style, FitFlops are perfect.