Great China Wall

No, you didn't read that wrong. I won't be blogging about the Great Wall of China. This entry is about Great China Wall, the fashion label. I came across this label when I was perusing a sale online. It was late at night and I attiributed my initial shock to my tired eyes. Apparently my eyes weren't that tired and I was seeing the prices correctly.

After further 'research', I learned that this label is based in Los Angeles and they have been around for a while (approximately 8 years). Each piece is unique because it is hand-sewn and embroidered. Some of their pieces are also handpainted and dyed and some have leather cutouts senw on. This is probably why their prices are ridiculously high. Their prices range from about $150 - $3,000.

They're major clients are celebrities and rock stars (or their kids anyway). Most of their collection focuses on loungewear but they bags and belts are also available.

(L-R Crystal Rose Anchor Hoodie, $1,144; Skull Crystal Cross Tank Dress, $550; Travel Bag, $2,750)

Photos courtesy of Blue Bee.

New Jolie-Pitt Baby (or Babies)

Yay! My favorite celebrity couple is having a new baby (or babies if they are having twins as rumored).

Congratulations to the happy couple!















Photo courtesy of Jeff Vespa for WireImage.com.

Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock

My friend KRMN blogged about wanting chocolate beer the other day and I remembered a Sam Adams commercial I saw on TV for the Chocolate Bock. Although I haven't tried it yet, it sure sounds intriguing. Like KRMN, I'm a fan of darker beer with Guinness and Newcastle as my favorites.

This special brew is only available at specialty retailers and is only available in a 750ml bottle. If you get to try it, let me know how it is!

Fall 2008: Marni

As evident from Marni's Fall 2008 runway show, textured tights and stacked heels are not going anywhere. Is it too early to get excited for Fall 2008?

Mike & Chris "Frankie" Jacket

vs


Can you tell me which one is the Mike & Chris "Frankie" Jacket and which one is the knock off?

I'm not the biggest Mike & Chris fan. Their designs are funky but laid back and casual which I love but at the same time the fit can be unflattering. They have a certain design element that makes them stand apart. Although I'm not a big fan, I can tell a Mike & Chris item a mile away, which brings me to the two jackets above.

I was shopping with a friend at Forever 21 last Monday and she picked up one of the items above. I remember thinking the jacket was cute but they only had one in our size. I walked around the store. The whole time I was thinking how the style looks so much like Mike & Chris. This morning I went on Mike & Chris's website and lo and behold! The Frankie jacket from their Summer 2007 collection and my friend's purchase are almost identical! It's not a surprise that Forever 21's been sued by almost every major designer for copying designs. However, they can afford to settle out of court and most of the time they do. What's that saying again? Oh yeah, money makes the world go around. How sad.


**Answer: The gray one is from Forever 21 for a mere $29.80. The ivory one is from Mike & Chris and retails at about $209. It was also offered in black and gray when it first came out.

Commercial: Singing Pirates

I don't usually watch commercials since I have a DVR but once in a while I do get to see them. This particular commercial is from FreeCreditReport.com and the song is pretty catchy. Plus, I love pirates and it talks about identity theft. Something we should all be wary about since my friend AK was a victim and it's not any fun.

Golden Goose

I stumbled upon Golden Goose as I was browsing through Shopbop's (surprise, surprise) shoe section. I immediately fell in love with a pair Golden Goose boots (ah, the pleasures of love at first sight). Sadly, it's out of my range but I researched the label anyway.

Golden Goose is an Italian label launched in 2000 by husband and wife team, Allesandro and Francesca Gallo. Their collection is still of limited availability here in the US but I'm sure it wouldn't be long before it gets picked up by major retailers.

I have to admit their design aesthetic for their clothing line borders on preppy but their boots are to die for. You all know I love my flat boots and Golden Goose makes the....hmmm, what's the word I'm searching for here...best vintage-inspired boots out there. Each boot is handmade and distressed (which explains the price) so no two boots are alike (even better). Even from pictures alone, you can see attention that was put to every detail. If these boots ever went on sale, I'd get a pair for sure.


**Note: Although I am professing my love for these boots, I can tell right now that some of you will not like these boots at all.**


(L-R: Charlyle Boot-$1,050 at Shopbop; Dakota Boot-BP475 at Ruby and Tallulah)

Lewis Cho Striped Assymetrical Mock Neck Dress

Another bargain find from Shopbop's Winter Clearance Sale! Although this is not THE cutest dress, at $62.10 (down from $207) it's hard to pass up. I needed to add to my work wardrobe and Shopbop heard my prayers. Thanks again Shopbop!

Enviable Closets

JJ and I had a conversation the other day and I mentioned that closet space is one of the things I look at when finding a place. Not that I have a vast amount of clothing or shoes, but the idea of having room to expand is what appeals to me. So I search online for images of closets I'd want to have and lo and behold I find an article that features someone I know.

Gail Larkin (as seen on the left on top of the closet) has started her own business in designing and organizing the closets of her rich clientele. Not only does she organize and reorganize closets, she also helps some of her clients purge their belongings and teaches them to shop "better".

Now my closet is not nearly in the category of the closet size that she's used to but I'll get there. Heehee. In the meantime, I'm trying to control my shopping urges and learning how to shop "better" (on my own and it's hard). Maybe if I have time and Gail has time, I'll sit her down for an interview.

For more enviable closets (and shoe collections) see below:

First up, Mariah Carey. Her closet is bigger than my entire apartment (and that says a lot since my apartment isn't small). Her shoe collection is to die for. She has over 1,000 pairs of shoes! I wonder if she has favorites or if she gives each shoe equal wear. I can't imagine what I'd do with that many shoes. Lol.

Eva Longoria's closet is featured in the March issue of InStyle. While her closet is no where near the size of Mariah's, I gott give her props since she's pretty new on the scene. She's got about 200 pairs of shoes and about 50 pairs of jeans (I come close to that so it's not that impressive). What I love about her closet is how organized it is. I also love her hangers. It shows that she takes good care of her clothing.

While this is not a closet photo, I thought I'd sneak this photo in here anyway. This is a photo of the Marikina Shoe Museum which houses 220 of Imelda Marcos' shoes. If you don't recognize the name, she was a former First Lady of the Philippines. In 1986, she and her husband fled the country because of political issues (and accusations of graft and corruption). She's extremely famous for her shoe collection, most of which she claims were gifts. When the Palace was raided, the government recovered 220 pairs of shoes which now resides at the Shoe Museum. Today, she is said to have over 5,000 pairs in her collection. Imagine that.





**Note: This post was originally intended to be about shoe collections and it morphed into a closet post.**

Happy V Day

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy cashcow-for-Hallmark day! Hope you don't end up like Cupid!

Tutorial: False Eyelashes

I found this great video while browsing Kikay Exchange and I just had to share it. This video is actually from one of the links off of Kikay Exchange (Baklitaan). I've never had the patience to learn how to put on false eyelashes and this video breaks it down and it's accompanied with a great soundtrack too! Thanks Bambi!

Valentine's Day Dining Guide

Valentine's Day dining is so much more than just picking a restaurant that serves good food. It's about picking the restaurant that has a romantic ambiance that also happens to serve good food. Lucky for you people, I'll be sharing a (short) list of restaurants I would recommend for this very occasion. The restaurants below offer a Valentine's Day prix-fixe menus. while prix-fixe menus can get a bit pricey, they are designed to enhance your dining experience by offering you dishes that complement each other.

A caveat about this list: just because I recommend it doesn't mean you're going to like it. Also, it might be too late to make reservations but you can always try.

Il Cielo, Beverly Hills

Valentine's Day Prix-Fixe Menu: $225/couple

Il Cielo is undoubtedly one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. I'm not a big fan of Italian food but I don't mind eating at Il Cielo. This was the site of our 2005 Holiday Party and we pretty much took up the entire interior of this place. Needless to say, it's not that big. The biggest seller of this place is it's ambiance. This restaurant is home to many bridal showers, engagement parties, and actual weddings. A block away from Christian Louboutin's store, this hidden gem can be found on Burton Way. Blink and you'll miss it.

Providence, Hollywood

Valentine's Prix-Fixe Menu: $140-195

Of the restaurants on this list, Providence is the newest. Not to be underestimated for being new on the scene, this place was nominated as "Best Restaurant of 2005" by the James Beard Foundation (essentially the Oscars of the North American restaurant scene). This seafood restaurant has already won many accolades and it even had a "cameo" on Entourage. For all the foodies out there, this place should not be missed.

Melisse, Santa Monica

Valentine's Day Prix-Fixe Menu: $225/person

I la-la-love Melisse! Granted I've only been a couple times but both times have been phenomenal! The head chef, Josiah Citrin, is half of the duo of my other favorite place, Lemon Moon. Melisse serves French food with a California flair. This place probably not as romantic as Il Cielo but the ambiance really needs to take a back seat to the food here. Melisse is one of only three restaurants in Los Angeles to receive Michelin 2 stars. If you've seen Ratatouille, you know how much Michelin stars mean to restaurateurs. And to the vegetarians out there, Melisse has got you covered. They have a vegetarian tasting menu for a measly $85! Hmm...gets me thinking that this should be the venue for our 2008 Holiday Party.

Well, there you go folks. Have fun celebrating this Valentine's Day!

Breakfast of Champions

Mmm. Yummy!

**Note: Breakfast consists of Cottage Cheese w/ Peach and Tea w/ Cream (how very British of me, lol)**

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Moldy Fruit

Euw. Disgusting.

**Note: My boss found this while cleaning the fridge in his office. He had been gone for a week and this is what he came back to. Yuck!**

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

February 2008 Must Haves

Aahhh, February. The month most celebrated by Hallmark...kidding...I meant by couples everywhere. The time of the year that gets most men shaking in their boots. Will they get the perfect present this year? Or will he disappoint? Hmmm, if I had a man, I'm thinking he'll be getting me something along the lines of this shoe:

You guys have been reading my blog long enough to know that the way to my heart, apart from my stomach, is through my feet. I love shoes and there's nothing more I love than a hot and sexy shoe. These Giuseppe Zanotti Open Toe Knotted Pumps are the perfect Spring shoes. Bright and playful, these shoes are a sure way to cure those Winter blues. A perfect way to spice up that Valentine's Day outfit!








Another way to spice up your Valentine's Day is with sexy undies. What's sexier than lace and La Perlas? Well, lace La Perlas of course! I love underwear and what's more, I love sexy underwear. A man can never go wrong with gifting underwear...well, unless he gets the size wrong then he's in trouble.










I don't know about you, but if I got this blue box for Valentine's Day my heart would be skipping several beats. Especially if it had this inside:

Hahaha. I'm not that big on jewelry so I don't mind if I got something else. Any of the non-silver items from Tiffany will do. *Wink* Note to the boys, non-silver please. Thank you.


Photo of shoe courtesy of Shopbop.com
Photo of lingerie courtesy of Saks.com
Photo of Tiffany items courtesy of Google Images.

In Search of...Black Pumps

I know you guys must be sick of all the shoes I post on here...but here I am again, this time in search of the perfect pair of black pumps. The ones I wear to work are in dire need of replacing. They're falling apart. From my 'Wallet' post, you guys already know about my very particular taste. As for black pumps, I need them to be simple and polished. Stylish enough to wear out but professional enough to wear to work.

Christian Louboutin Minibout Zep 942
$745 at Saks

I've already blogged about my love for this shoe. It's simple and classy yet fashionable and sexy. The problem? The hefty price tag. Some people have also complained that this shoe is on the narrow side. Translation? It hurts like b*tch. I don't think I'd want to make that mistake again. But it wouldn't hurt to try it on, right?





Christian Louboutin New Simple Pumps
$675 at Saks

Like the name suggests, these are simple pumps. JJ owns a pair and she loves them. According to her, these are the most comfortable pair of Louboutins she owns. These are a little cheaper than the Minibouts, too. The problem? JJ owns them. It wouldn't be such a problem if I didn't already own a pair that she has. I feel like I'm biting her style. Even though she's given me the ok, I still feel weird even thinking about getting them.




Miu Miu Vernice Round Toe Pump
$420 at Saks

I love the simplicity of these pumps. I also like that these are the cheapest of the bunch. I do hate that they're patent. For some reason, I just don't like patent. Don't get me wrong, I do have patent shoes. As a matter of fact, my CLs are patent. But they're sandals. The patent leather is not as "in your face" as these pumps. I just think that patent is a trend that'll pass soon and I don't want to be stuck with $400 shoes that I'll never wear again.




YSL Tribute Slingback
$495 at Saks

I'm not normally a big fan of slingbacks, but these are kinda cute. These shoes are elegant, sexy and sophisticated and they're not that expensive. The best thing? Saks has it in my size! And JJ said that YSL shoes are comfy. What more can I ask for, right? Hmmm...I think these shoes might be the big winner.





Photos courtesy of Saks.com.

In Search of...a Wallet

Like most things I really need, it takes me a while to find the "right" one...the "right" one being one that "feels" right and fits my needs. I can be picky especially when it's something that I've been thinking of getting for a while. Last time it was silver shoes (which I still have to wear) and this time it's a wallet. Not just any wallet...THE wallet. I want a long wallet that isn't too bulky. Nothing too 'old' looking but I don't want something trendy either (like those atrocious Juicy wallets, yuck!). I want something slim, simple and classic with enough pockets to hold everything I need to put in there. Oh, and I don't want a black one since I already have a black one. So far, nothing has tickled my fancy. The search goes on...

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Distinguished Dot Flat Wallet
$88 on eluxury.com

This wallet is simple and classic. It's not black. What's wrong with it? Not enough compartments and no where to put my coins!








Gucci
Continental Wallet
$330 on Saks.com


This wallet is slim with tons of credit card slots, pockets and a coin holder. The problem? It's monogrammed! Ick!







Dior
Cannage "D" Clutch
$495 on eluxury.com

This would be the perfect wallet for me. It has my initial! Too bad it's too bulky. And I hate that wrist strap but I guess that could come in handy.






Didn't I say I was picky?


Photos courtesy of eluxury.com and Saks.com.

Yes We Can

Gerry's Grill

At the beginning of the year, I heard from my cousin that Gerry's Grill opened in Southern California. This is the same cousin whose family I visited in the Philippines last year and told us not to eat at Gerry's Grill - purely for health reasons. I've heard good things about Gerry's from my friends so I was quite excited when it opened.

I first had my taste of Gerry's about 3 weeks ago. I wasn't too impressed then but I gave them the benefit of the doubt since they've only been open for about a week. Last Sunday, I took my mom there. It was Super Bowl Sunday so there was no traffic and the place wasn't too packed. We were both hungry so we ordered a lot - Tokwa't Baboy and Pork Sisig for appetizers, Chicken Inasal and Grilled Squid for entrees and Crab Fried Rice. As usual in Filipino restaurants, we did not expect the appetizers to come first. The rice came first. A few minutes later the tofu came. Since we were both hungry, we dug in. The rice was good, better than the crab fried rice at Max's. At least, Gerry's used real crab as opposed to imitation crab. The tofu was a little bit disappointing. The tofu was overcooked and soaked in oil. The sauce was good but unfortunately, nothing could save that tofu. Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the meal came. The sisig was great. Cholesterol-laden, yes, but it tasted great nonetheless. The chicken inasal was ok. It was burnt in some places so parts of it were dry. It doesn't compare to the original Bacolod Inasal...miles apart in taste and execution. The squid was a little cold and rubbery. It would've been better if we got it hot and straight from the grill.

Overall, Gerry's is mediocre at best. I'm not sure if it's because they just opened or they're just not paying attention. This is only the second time I've been to Gerry's and both times the food has been overcooked. I guess the should hurry and get that liquor license. Drunk people don't usually care when the food is slightly charred.







Logo taken from Gerry's Grill website.
Food pictures taken by my phone.

Sushi Zo Revisited

Well, nothing's changed since I went about 2.5 weeks ago...except maybe the bill. Lol. It was a lot smaller this time around, about half of last time. Now that I knew what I was in for (and how to stop them from giving me more food), our meal had a bit more direction.

Like I said earlier, nothing has changed. The fish was still fresh. The service was still quick. Overall, one of my new favorite restaurants. I'm also adding amberjack (kanpachi) to my favorite things on the menu (which previously included toro and butterfish). Also, this time around, I ended my meal with the blue crab hand roll (I had the toro hand roll before). I was so surprised at how much I liked it. I'm not a huge fan of crabs but I decided to try it and I was pleasantly surprised. I guess it's because their crab is extremely fresh. The flavor oozed out of every bite. Hmmm....I want another one.

If this goes on, I'll be broke sooner than I think. It also doesn't help that the restaurant is down the street from my place.

I Voted!

Aren't I just an upstanding citizen? Now follow my lead and vote!

Orris

Last Saturday, I was supposed to be in San Diego. But owing to last minute stuff that needed to be done for work, I ended up staying in LA. I was feeling a little miserable. I was a little sick, my plans were ruined and it was hella cold. A little pick-me-up came in the form of a text from JJ. She wanted to have dinner and I suggested Orris.

I was so excited. Orris is one of the more popular joints on Sawtelle Blvd. They serve tapas-style French-Japanese fare. I haven't been in a while (over a year) and I was already thinking about what I should order.

We didn't make reservations, well, because they didn't take reservations. We decided to brave the wait and to our surprise it wasn't that bad (I guess because we were early - 7pm). I think we waited about 15-20 minutes before we were seated. During the wait, JJ remembered that she had already been to Orris once before - on a date. She doesn't remembered what she ordered except for the fish dish.

Once we were seated, we decided to order 5 dishes to share. We ordered the Albacore Sashimi, Red Snapper Carpaccio, Curry Shrimp Tempura, Foie Gras and Eggplant, and of course the Filet Mignon. Since it's tapas-style, the servings are tiny. These five dishes were enough for two petite girls like me and JJ (perfect if you're on a diet since they don't serve a lot of carb-laden food on the menu). As for the dishes themselves, the Foie Gras and the Filet were the only memorable dishes we had that night (save for dessert...more on that later). The sashimi was a tad too salty, the red snapper was overpowered by the ginger topping, and the tempura was a little bland. The foie gras was heavenly. It went well with the eggplant and the sauce just complemented both items perfectly. The filet was perfectly cooked - soft and tender and pink on the center. The Roquefort butter is a delicious dip for these little morsels of perfection. Needless to say, each bite was savoured.

During dinner, the lady sitting next to us was having dessert - Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce - and it looked too delicious to pass up. And we were right. The tart was baked just right and the thickness of the pastry did not overpower the thinly sliced apples on top. The caramel wasn't too sweet and the ice cream complemented the dish perfectly. We also ordered a scoop of Blackberry and Cabernet Sauvignon sorbet. At first bite, it tastes like frozen cabernet but after a while you get to taste the blackberries. The desserts were a perfect way to end our meal. I can't wait to go back for more!


(Top to bottom: Foie Gras w/ Eggplant, Filet Mignon w/ Roquefort butter)


Photos courtesy of Yelp.com users.