Ever since I have gotten older (and a little bit wiser), I have learned to streamline my closet and think twice before making any clothing purchases. I used to love going to sales, bazaars, tiangges and any other venue where I can look for more things that I need to have. Now, I only go shopping when there is a specific item that I need. I don’t aimlessly wander the mall, looking over items, waiting for them to make my pupils dilate, my heart beat faster, and for me to justify to myself, later on, another impulsive purchase when I get home. However, this does not mean that I am now unexcitable when it comes to fashion. On the few times that I indulge myself and let my heart rate (and wallet) run free, I know that it’s for a good reason — and some of the items that always make me feel better about letting go are multi-way items: skirts that can be dresses, pants that can be jackets, etc. It’s like buy one, take seven! There are several multi-way items out there from both RTW lines and designers. One brand that offers two amazing and affordable multi-way items is Unarosa. They recently launched two special designs: a dress and a pantsuit that can be worn in 15 ways! I kid you not. You can go backless, one-shoulder, halter, braided, and any other which way you might feel like donning it. Are you going to church then to a hot date after? Meeting the parents at their house, then his friends at a bar later in the evening? You can wear it with sleeves first, then just conveniently twist it to a sexier incarnation before hitting the party scene. I get giddy just from thinking about how this will make my packing for trips soooo much easier.
From local designers, Rajo Laurel offers imaginative and amazing pieces that will make you look like a fashion connoisseur now and for decades to come. Rajo’s Cecilia skirt, which can be worn as a skirt, drop-crotch pants, and a tube dress, looks chic and effortlessly stylish. His Halston dress, which can be worn at least six ways, is made of travel-friendly and body-flattering jersey, and will be wearable for generations to come. Your granddaughters will love you for the legacy of fashion that you will pass on to them.
I have a formula that helps me figure out if an item is worth buying or not: I divide the price by how many times I can wear it. So the Unarosa multi-way dress and jumpsuit go for P1,930; divide that by at least 15, and you get just P128.67 for each version I get to wear! Imagine dividing the cost of the Rajo dress by three generations! Add to that the priceless value that comes with being able to wear and hold a piece of local fashion’s history.
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Unarosa is at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall 5th level and Shoppesville Greenhills 2nd level. House of Laurel, 6013 Villena cor. Manalac St., Poblacion, Makati City, (tel. 895-5688). Visit www.rajolaurel.com for more info.