Heart to Art

While passing through SM Megamall on the way home, something caught the corner of my eye that made me stop and do a double take.

On the window display of Kamiseta, there were several dresses, blouses and skirts that has beautifully drawn artwork as prints. And you know I can't resist a good print, so I was immediately drawn into the store.

It turns out that the beautiful paintings were all done by Heart Evangelista, and translated to fashion pieces through a collaboration.

Almost all pieces were showstoppers, but there was one that was truly, beautifully irresistible. This pleated skirt (see, it's a trend) with a delicate print of 3 women.

There's a certain Gustav Klimt quality to the painting, and it's sure to be a conversation piece. Now, since the skirt is very artsy, it has to be the focus of the outfit. So, for the top, a plain, black Uniqlo blouse with puffed sleeves is just what the fashion doctor ordered.

Together, this ensemble screams Art Gallery opening chic!

You gotta heart this ensemble! You just gotta!

LFLTAT: Blackbird

Avian prints are still very much around. It's proof that it's not a one-time fad but a fashion mainstay.

But here's something new. Avian embroidery! Particularly on this black skirt from Kamiseta that I got on sale.

At first glance, it might look like a bit too much. There's lace, there's a ribbon, and of course, the embroidery. Strangely though, the combination works.

The busy skirt needed a counterpoint. And I found it via this black flutter sleeved top from Uniqlo, also on sale.

This combination is perfect for the "bird" reference. With the sleeve that look like wings and the embroidery that really has wings, it's a fashion match!

And did I mention that this ensemble cost just a little above P800?

LFLTAT: Sophia's choice

For some strange reason, full skirts and sleeveless tops remind me of a young Sophia Loren.

It's an outfit that I imagine her wearing while walking down the Amalfi Coast during summer. And it's a look that I was able to recreate for less than a thousand, thanks to the weekend sales.

The top is from Kamiseta, and it's an off-shoulder top with ribbons.

Then, there's this skirt from Meg. It has a summery, yellow hue, and the cut is full and flowy.

Together, it's an outfit worthy of Sophia, and it costs less than P800!

Ciao Bella!

LFLTAT: Fit to be tied.

One of my colleagues is a huge Kamiseta fan. While she occasionally visits the big international fast fashion chains, she still swears by this local brand.

So, after office, I decided to swing by their branch in Robinson's Galleria and, lo and behold, they're on sale!

Frankly, it was slim pickings, but there were a few gems. Like this pretty floral blouse with a side tie.

It has a lot of things going for it. Nice fabric. Stunning print. A relaxed silhouette. And of course, it's less than P500!

Then, there's this pair of wide legged white pants from Uniqlo. Another steal at P390!

Together, it's an ensemble that ties together chic and relaxed. For less than a thousand!

That's a fitting way to spend the midweek.

Label laughs

You know that the person in the factory is sleepy when you check out a dress in Kamiseta and see this:

Either the sewer was holding the label the wrong way, or the dress was upside down when they sewed it on.


Either way, someone needs stricter quality control.

Pros and Body Con

When Herve Leger created his bandage dress - or more commonly known as the "body con" dress - I doubt if he realized how much of a hit it would be. It's been 26 years since he came up with this ubiquitous dress, and it still has no signs of slowing down.

Of course, this design is now owned by Max Azria who bought out Herve Leger. Now, Herve Leger is known as Herve L. Leroux, and he continues to make spectacular dresses out of this atelier in Paris.

And here in Manila, the influence of the body con dress is still all over the place. A lot of fast fashion brands, from the established to the little Mom and Pop designers in tiangges, peddle their own version of this iconic dress. Some are total knock offs and copies (like the Apartment 8 versions), and some take the creative liberty to refashion it.

One such version I saw was from Kamiseta. Yes, they had some total knock-offs which were a bit "meh," but they had some pieces which took the body con concept and re-fashioned them to look younger. Among that lot, there were 2 that really stood out.

First is this knit dress with color blocking details that resemble a body con dress.



The shapes and colors of this dress are well-placed and will definitely have a slimming effect on the lady who'll wear it. And if the lady is slim to begin with, then this will definitely add curves to her physique.



The other is this gray and white number made of a thick knit material. Aside from the nice and muted color combination, the paneling of this dress is thoughtfully made. The white curved lines create a slimming pattern on the wearer. And who doesn't want that, right?



I've mentioned before that Kamiseta has had a couple of misses the past few years, but with this body con influenced pieces, they definitely have a hit.