Workin' for the Birkin

DEAR FASHION INDUSTRY PLEASE GIVE ME A SHOT AT A CAREER


A thousand more apologies for the continued blog neglect. The exhausting holiday season has me begging for more sleep, and my off days are just as hectic. I have been collaborating with my friend to produce some really great editorial material. Pulling for shoots and styling models takes a lot of time and planning. My lunch breaks and "weekends" are pretty much booked before I even know. But I am not complaining because these shoots are just the creative outlet and experience I need.

Photos by Anthony Deeying

I have been working on my shopping resolution list for 2011. With the new year approaching, I thought it would be a good time to set some goals. The first is to find a 9-5 with benefits, weekends off, and most importantly, something to do with fashion editorial. Second, I WILL GET MY SECOND BIRKIN THIS YEAR SO HELP ME GOD!! Wish me luck!!

- jerome

Christmas is Coming

I LOVE SHOPPING.

These are a few of the Christmas presents I have finished wrapping. I am pretty proud of them, actually. Even if it is not for me, I genuinely love shopping. Walking through beautiful stores and picking out presents for the ones you love is always fun. Except for the SHITSHOW holiday season. This is the second time I have been on the other side of the retail relationship, and I must say that people are mean. But I keep pulling through because of my severe Hermès addiction. I am literally unable to walk into an Hermès without leaving with an orange box. My last trip was during my lunch break, and I successfully resisted because there was a $40K Bleu de Malte Crocodile Birkin. It was the last one in the world, and after considering selling my car for it (just kidding - kind of - because it would not be enough anyway... what about a kidney??) I thought it was getting a little ridiculous.


Orange is the new red and green. Hermès obsession aside, I have been getting back into styling projects. It has been a while since I have been able to collaborate with someone in a creative way, so getting back in the studio has been a great blessing during this stressful season. Again, I apologize for not keeping up with regular posts. It has been a hectic few weeks and it will only get worse. I can tell you that my website will be getting a major makeover and new content will be uploaded as these exciting new projects unfold. Stay tuned!!

Thanks for sticking by me. Happy Holidays, everyone!

- jerome

Friends Make Everything Better

HOLY WINTER WEIGHT, BATMAN!!

I feel like I have been gaining weight. Due to the stressful holiday shopping season (professionally and personally), I have been indulging in fatty Filipino festive food in the little time I have to eat. Needless to say gym time has been cut down to zero. Good thing I have friends who like to splurge at Hermès and eat baked goods with me to lift the spirit. This scenario embodies what I go through on a day to day basis:



While shopping today, I barely missed the Kardashians at Barneys. They were in town to discuss their new licensing venture with Sears (yeah, yet ANOTHER BRANDING SCHEME. When bebe drops you, throw in the towel). In a solid attempt to try and catch a glimpse of the reality stars, my friend and I went to the Hermès store. We had to go anyway, and it was a logical store to check for the Kardashians, who famously just spent $100K on Birkins and such last month. No such luck with the celebrities, but I do have my gift picked out! 2010 was obviously the year of Louis Vuitton for me. What can I say? I'm a late bloomer. But after our trip to the store, I know it will be an Orange Christmas for my friend - who coined the term - and an Orange rest of my life 2011 for the both of us!

- jerome

Balikbayan

I feel absolutely horrible about the blog neglect. The holidays are like the Olympics of retail, and the stress and hard work has taken its toll. My days begin with work and end with house chores, and holiday shopping in between. I am almost finished with my gifting, but there is added pressure this year for my family. I mean IF I GOT MYSELF A FRIGGIN' BIRKIN, THEIR PRESENTS BETTER BE GOOD time is running out. I hope your holiday shopping is right on track!!

Anyway, with the Birkin acquisition during less-than-ideal weather, I long for warmer weather and sun. Cloudy days keep me paranoid about bringing out my favorite leather goods. But more than anything I am sick of this muggy winter. I want to go to the Philippines to do some beaching, shopping, sunning, relaxing, resorting, and resetting! It might be time for a vacation. TOP MODEL INSPIRATION EDITORIAL TIME!

Daria Werbowy in French Vogue

One day I will have my own photographer to take pictures of me doing cool stuff like this.

- jerome

Target Acquired: Hermès 35cm Bleu de Malte Clemence Birkin

I feel like an adult now.
Trench by Burberry Prorsum, Trousers and Shirt by Comme des Garçons X H&M, Jumper by Zara, Shoes by Whoop-De-Doo, Handbag by Hermès

Behold, my very own (first, but not last!) Birkin bag. Having it in my collection is a big deal. Buying it myself with my own money is a milestone. I always knew I would come to own one, but never did I imagine it would come to me by fate. The story begins with a random work schedule assignment. By some stroke of luck I was allotted a Saturday off last week. Saturdays are rarely given to anyone who works in retail. This is because normal people most customers shop on the weekends. I gladly accepted because 'tis the season and I wanted a break within the busiest shopping time of the year. My dear friend Anthony wanted to stop by Hermès for his birthday so I gladly came along. We were not expecting what was about to occur next.

I originally planned to buy a ring. After selecting, sizing, and measuring we made our way to the front of the store to look at scarves for Anthony. Suddenly a woman purchased a bag in the center display, and out comes the sales associate with a new bag to fill the void: a brand new 35cm Bleu De Malt Birkin in Clemence leather with silver palladium hardware. It came straight from Paris, directly from the stockroom via late delivery, and into my eager hands. This bag had never been on display, meaning I am the only customer to ever handle it. When I took it into my arms I knew... the size, color, and leather were everything I wanted in a Birkin. Sure enough the women were flocking toward the icon, but it was too late for them. Fate had visited me that day. Quickly I ran to the bank to call upon the Birkin Fund while Anthony guarded the bag.


A 40cm Togo Birkin seems ideal for guys, but every time I would carry my friends' it felt large. I like my day bags big, but not luggage sized - especially since the bag is a top handle carry with no cross body strap. Togo leather on a Birkin is beautiful, but the structure and consistent "newness" did not feel right whenever I tried it on. I get that the Togo is scratch resistant and hard wearing, but for my first I wanted a more precious skin. The Clemence leather of MY Birkin is absolutely perfect for me. It is softer, drapes beautifully while maintaining structure, and is the perfect weight and softness to compliment my lifestyle. When you touch the skin, you can feel immediately why Hermès is known for their leathers. The color, Bleu de Malte, is one of the newest hues of blue in the Hermès palette. It has a rich, royal color that has a tendency to play tricks in different lighting.



This is the holy grail of bags and with hard work I bought one, and with good luck I got an amazing color/leather/hardware combination. I am in love. I joked that my family will be stoked that I can shut up about this bag now, but I realized that the fever has set in; I want everything in Hermès! And the obsession continues with the gold and black Birkins... One day :)


- jerome

Stop to Smell the Roses

Silk shirt by H&M, Khakis by J.Crew, Boots by Virgin Blak
The rain has returned in San Francisco. The forecasts keep saying it will be straight rain for 3 days, but this has been proven to be an epic failure of a prediction false. Thus, my outfits as of late are kind of all over the place. Good thing I am all for experimenting with the help of trendy items at affordable prices. My insatiable hunger for printed shirts continues with this floral piece from H&M. It reminded me a lot of Number (N)ine and Ann Demeulemeester, which is pretty funny considering this is some cheap thing from Divided. Fast fashion is perfect when you want to try out a look that would otherwise be expensive, or missed out on the collections of seasons passed.


In other news, I FINALLY GOT MY VERY OWN BIRKIN. It was like fate, and I will tell you all about it later. Stay tuned for an epic reveal. But workin' for the Birkin finally paid off - and was paid in full by yours truly.

ALL THE WOMEN WHO INDEPENDENT THROW YOUR HANDS UP AT ME

- jerome

Quickie

This past week has been hell at work, and with the weather slowly getting worse each day, I have succumb to seasonal cold symptoms. Thank goodness I am not legit sick yet but I realize that I am behind on posting. A couple of nights ago I attended a benefit wearing full blown palazzo pants. The next day, I was wearing tribal jewels and prints. Now I am in a fishtail parka and brogues. My style has been all over the place lately, which usually means I need to go shopping. Times like these are exciting because when you try out so many different looks, you develop your own spin on things. Here are some examples of my latest obsessions.


1. Tribal Inspiration - Kentaro Sawano in VMan
2. Keeping it Classy - Lasse Pedersen in Fudge
3. Glamazon - Blake Lively in Marie Claire UK



- jerome

Lanvin x H&M x Jerome Gettin' Cray Cray

All clothing by Lanvin X H&M, Shoes by Lanvin

So finally the big reveal. I guess everyone in the fashion world besides those who don't look at price tags or get big name swag went bonkers for the Lanvin X H&M collaboration. Let's begin with the epic tale on how I scored me some limited lax-luxury lovin'. It starts with a wishlist. My beloved friend and I rendezvoused at my place to go over the top items we were after. I had my hands tied with my work schedule and birthdays and family stuff so my friend was going to take one for the team and wait in line as he had planned anyway. He planned to come to my place to get my list and money, wake up early, and wait in line at 3:00 AM for the best selection. He came over but then we got distracted by my new platform boots and shoe talk, I forgot to give him my money, and he left his phone in my car. FAIL. To top it all off, people had began waiting in line at 8:00 PM so he threw in the towel. EPIC FAIL.

No big deal, right? The peacoat he couldn't live without was just another thing from H&M. The suit I wanted was still H&M. Whatever, right? The morning of the frenzy I stopped by just to see the battle royale. By some stroke of luck I walked in and within 5 minutes of trolling around the suit in my size was placed in my hand. I took a step back and the trousers came with me but sadly the jacket was in the hands of a fierce looking Korean boy. It was clear that he was one of the 8:00-ers, and crystal who was leaving with the suit. Defeat eclipsed my heart after the thrill of the hunt seduced me. I am a very competitive person, and had to have a piece of this collection.


Fast forward to my lunch break and my look of desperation hidden behind large, crooked sunglasses at the doors of a still-bustling H&M. Round 2. I don't know how it happened but I turned the corner and there was the coat in my friend's size! It was big a mistake to try it on - I fell in love with the gorgeous wool coat instantly. The brass buttons and flawless cut compliment a surprisingly because it's H&M high quality piece. Oops. After puppy dog eyes from my bestie, some soul and eBay searching, I had surrendered the coat to him. Anyway, I was able to find the coat online for only $50.00 USD more (including shipping and sales tax), and what is that amongst friends??


The following days after the launch I visited H&M when I had time to try my luck at some returns. I was able to score the shirt and the knit drawstring trousers, but still no luck with the suit (it may have to be an eBay purchase). If you did not get a chance to score any goods from the collection, I suggest you stop by your nearest flagship before eBay. People are returning many things like shoes and suits after buying whatever they could get their hands on without trying stuff on. And if you are after the womenswear, try extra hard. There were some gorgeous dresses!! The only caveat is everyone will be wearing them to that New Year's party you were planning on show off at.

The packaging is incredible. Shopping bags are a long time obsession of mine, and these illustrated bags with ribbon handles are an amazing addition. The hangars are adorable and the silk screened garment bags are so charming!! They really pulled out all the stops. I am pleasantly surprised with the merchandise. Lately H&M has been disappointing with the quality and cut of their clothing, especially in the mens departments. They must have put everything into the collaboration because these duds are sweet. Good luck hunting for what you wanted :)


- jerome

Star Shirts - The Obsession Continues...

Capsule Collection Images from The Fashion Spot
I am not so sure where my recent obsession with stars comes from. My black and white button down and Louis Vuitton scarf piece tell me that I find star shapes to be an attractive graphic element. This capsule collection from Christoper Kane might be taking things to another level. Behold this lovely resort 2011 collection including shocking nebula prints. These cosmic graphics are images taken by the Hubble telescope, blown up to create all-over printed garments as seen in the womenswear collection.

Photos from Interview Mag

Kane is known for these large prints after his success with the Gorilla and Floral series. I myself find nebulae to be fascinating and beautiful and I cannot wait for these babies to drop. See how layering the prints creates movement and interest to an already obvious statement. Dramatic visuals next to simple saturated garments has a great affect when broken up with the skin showing on the neck, arms, or legs. Bravo!!

Even though this is a resort collection, I am pretty sure these clothes would work for A/W because of the color palette. The nebula prints showcase a gorgeous spectrum of jewel tones which I find romantic and always appropriate for the colder months. Another mystery. Perhaps my affinity for this palette stems from the following music video seen at least once a month on YouTube during my childhood.



Sup, BAMBI??!


- jerome

Wide Leg Ways

Blazer and Sailing Shirt by Zara, Boots by Virgin Blak, Trousers by Balenciaga
So I was saving this for after Thanksgiving, and after my Lanvin x H&M reveal, but because there are other media outlets starting to take notice of this trend revival, I thought I would put in my two cents before it became a craze.

I LOVE ME SOME WIDE LEG TROUSERS. Flares even. I busted out the ol' AG Jeans and boots. There is something about a hidden leg and shoe, shrouded in a voluminous but sharp covering, that makes my heart flutter. Phoebe Philo got me interested with her play on proportions and minimalism. Pictured above are an amazing pair of trousers from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière. I was really lucky in acquiring these as they were a thrift find.

Originally the flare was about 4' wider, but because these are more of a bell-bottom and not a full wide-leg trouser, I had them taken in. Unfortunately I look like an epic whale because of the combination of lighting, angle, and pressing my tailor did not press the pants to create the shape I wanted, but I couldn't wait and had to share; time is of the essence!! I think they are still lovely with a platform boot. I am in love. More bell shapes to come!!

- jerome

The Scent of Anna Dello Russo

I am going to need a bottle of this.

- jerome

Holidays on Ice

I know this might be old news, but it is worth revisiting.
Photos from MYMODERNMET

How cool does this look?!! This lovely retail space is the fruit of the collaboration between Richard Chai and Brooklyn-based architect group Snarkitecture as part of the Building Fashion instillation series. The series pairs fashion designers with architects to produce unique, design forward retail spaces - all for the low low price of $5,000.


The glacier-like shop was created by sculpting architectural foam by hand to simulate erosion. Richard Chai's collection was housed within crevices in the design space. The instillation ran from November 21-31 in Manhattan, then foam was returned to the manufacturer to be recycled as insulation foam. It would be amazing to see something like this in San Francisco. I think instillation projects like this would be a great way to showcase design talent while making a better case for SF being a fashion city.

- jerome

Thanks, Anna

Photo by Tommy Ton on JAK&JIL
My life coach Anna Dello Russo shares her top 10 tips on dress and etiquette for Christmas parties in her latest blog entry. I love her Italian/English:

Now begins the critical period for PARTIES to celebrate CHRISTMAS. They involving not only the family and friends, as well as formal events. I'm going to remember you my 10 RULES to be always on TOP!

1. Don't wear RED or GREEN outfits. You will look alike a Christmas tree.
2. Forget any COATS (also if outside it's only 5 degrees). You should make a big impact just with your dress.
3. Choose a GOLD. You will emphasize the idea to be a Christmas GIFT to unwrap.
4. Go to the hairdresser, facial, manicure and pedicure. Don't be worry to be OVER-DONE!
5. Choose between HAT and MAKEUP, if you wear a hat keep fresh face otherwise you will looks like a transvestite.
6. Wearing lots of JEWELLERY. the sound of JEWELLERY banish bad thoughts and bad ghosts.
7. Focus on the SHOES. Generally at Christmas party you spend a lot of time seated on the sofa.
8. Shoes have to carry all the magical atmosphere of Christmas: Choose sparkling, shiny, eccentric, metallic, decorative, precious, brocade, extravagant, color-full, magnificent, enchanting... PAIR OF SHOES.
9. Don't be worry about your BAG, you immediately will forget it on some chairs.
10. Don't throw yourself on the drinks and on the food. It's not POLITE!


My personal favorites are numbers 5 and 6. The next time I make it out to Milano, I will make it a mission to party with ADR. It seems like she knows how to have a good time (while not looking like a transvestite).

- jerome

Spring Forward

Mjölk Spring Summer 2011

Photos from The Fashionisto
Mjölk's Spring collection is truly an inspiration for styling. It's a little bit hip, a lotta bit Euro, and a great example of New York street. I love the prints and these are pretty much all the colors I've been wearing lately. And SOCKS!! The top heavy silhouette may not be the newest trend on the blog, but I am glad that there are no skinny jeans. The man jegging should only be worn by emo kids hipsters butt rockers subculture stereotypes. A slim jean can really flatter, but skinny jeans really have no place in my wardrobe anymore.

- jerome

Gaysian Triad

A day of dim sum, Chinese Porcelain, and leather craftsman on Clement St. would not be complete without impromptu photoshoots.

Bringing Sexy Back

Photos from Vogue.com
Yeah, JT. We all know who did it first.Tom Ford debuts his highly anticipated womenswear collection after keeping the entire fashion world on the edge of their seats, waiting to exhale. The clothing is super sexy, the silhouettes timeless, and everything unmistakably vintage Tom Ford. Anyone who was lucky enough to attend the private launch was met with the surprise collection modeled by Liya Kebede, Laura Hutton, Beyoncé Knowles, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Julianne Moore to name a few (those were just my personal favorites). Unfortunately, Terry Richardson was the only one allowed to take pictures that evening. For the rest of us, a recount of the night and insight to where Ford is headed is available on Vogue.com.

In the midst of a recovering recession, the luxury market seems to be doing well again. There is a rapidly growing market in Asia, and demand for luxury goods has never been higher. Perhaps Tom Ford's return to womenswear is another sign that an age of opulence is upon us... for the fashion set anyway. It seemed that all signs were pointing toward fast fashion, but I am praying that the tradition of building a lasting wardrobe has returned with the help of Tom Ford.

- jerome

Target Acquired: Louis Vuitton Monogram Stars Stole in Marine

Missing out on limited edition pieces can cause serious heartache. The endless online searching and sleepless nights can get to you, when finally sleep deprivation and anxiety have you considering paying A LOT of dough for such a rare piece. This was the case for my latest acquisition, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Stars Stole in Marine. Print was something I started experimenting with in clothing early last year but it has always been a favorite of mine when it comes to accessories, particularly scarves. A shemagh (Middle Eastern peace scarves) was often part of my everyday attire. But when I first saw the Monogram Stars stole, I knew I had to have it. Unfortunately I discovered the limited piece half way around the world whilst reading a fashion magazine a month old. Needless to say the stole was sold out before I even knew I couldn't live without it.

Here comes the obsessive behavior. For about a year I trolled the Internet, searching and searching for the stole with no avail. It became something to search for every time I was on eBay and I am on eBay everyday hunting for gems like these. I randomly came across the stole on a website for second-hand luxury handbags. The asking price was one helluva mark up at 3 times the original retail value. My heart dropped. This was it, my chance!! My intuition paralyzed my mouse button so I could step back and think about the bill. I would be buying a used stole that was rare, yes, but obviously priced at a ridiculous amount because the seller knows just how much I needed this goddamn accessory. I don't let anyone take advantage of me, so I closed that window.

Luckily I am not a quitter and searched for the stole on eBay approximately 15 minutes later. It was listed at the retail price, brand new with tags/box/duster/original receipt, AND free shipping. Lady luck shined upon me that day. MIRACLES HAPPEN.

Photos by Anthony Deeying
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE AND OTHER BLUE
This stole is a true beauty and worth every penny. It is a linen/silk blend, which makes it breathable while providing unbeatable temperature control for all seasons in San Francisco. Graphically, the stole is pretty epic. The blocks of cherry, cream, and navy ripple throughout the piece with just a hint of cerulean peeking at the side. The nautical stars add depth, appearing in two hues of golden yellow. They also add a touch of art nouveau (my favorite art style) and Americana (my current style inspiration). These stars also make the stole resemble both the American flag and the Filipino flag, which is red, white, and blue with golden stars. I am starting to think this thing was actually made just for me. The rich colors fly gorgeously as the stole moves like liquid in the Autumn wind. I am sooo gay for this stole. I wore it today with a denim shirt and jeans from Uniqlo, Pleasure Principle Tee, Alfredo Bannister boots, and my Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola bag.

The LV thing is getting a little ridiculous. Thank goodness the SC is not brand heavy and the LV Monogram is seen only at the end of the stole. Contrary to popular belief, the scarf is not double sided. The stars fade into the monogram at the very end of one side as shown in the press pictures. It is funny how one post on HypeBeast can mislead so many people!! I am so satisfied with this stole and will continue to search for it's sister in Blue ;)

- jerome

Star Struck

So here is a preview of my latest purchase, the Louis Vuitton Monogram Stars Stole. Thanks, eBay. I really needed this epic life win. More details and a full/much deserved post on it later. I was so happy, I am livin la vida Pelayo Diaz and did what any overly excited fashion blogger would do: GO TOPLESS. Kind of.

- jerome

You Know It's a Classic When...

Photo posted by @ProenzaSchouler via Twitter

Proenza Schouler posted a picture of the newest reincarnation of the PS1. From Mulberry to McQueen, there are so many look alikes out there that the PS1 might actually be considered a classic. This bag has functionality, keeps interest (I AM STILL WAITING FOR ONE), and has been produced in a variety of colors, textiles, and skins. But there is one finish that truly tests the makings of a classic handbag - enter: the patent PS1. I am not sure how I feel about this one yet, but flags go up when something is produced in patent leather.

Judging purely on the basis of wear, drape, and usage frequency, patent might not be the best look for a leather PS1 because such a finish cracks and peels over time, losing the "wetness" the owner fell in love with to begin with. The PS1 is an easy everyday bag that should build a beautiful patina over time, not lose its luster.


In other news, Marc Jacobs poses in drag for the latest cover of Industrie Magazine. Hope you can handle all that ferosh. If you disagree, he is MARC JACOBS and you hella aren't then take it up with Patrick Demarchelier (the guy who did all those other covers that make you not eat) and Katie Grand (the voice inside your head that says, "I NEED EVERYTHING ON THIS PAGE.").



- jerome