Emmy's Red and Hot

In the last few years, the only category in my most favorite Emmy Awards look is what I would call “Red Hues on Red Carpet,” epitomizing empowerment, confidence and intensity.

I do not have to go back far in time to name my nominees and winner:

• Brooke Shields (2008), in her full natural waves of locks, wearing a dramatic fuschia tier-ruffled Badgley Mischka gown, Fred Leighton diamonds and Judith Leiber clutch.
• Sofia Vergara (2011) is radiant in a coral one-shouldered Vera Wang floor scraper, with ruching that hugged her curves in perfect flattery, and adorned by 18K gold, diamond and emerald chandelier earrings by Lorraine Schwartz.
• Ginnifer Goodwin (2012) in a daring Monique Lhuillier (my current fave designer) nude sleeveless gown embellished with red-orange floral appliqués, Rona Pfeiffer and Graziela blings, Salvatorre Ferragamo clutch, and Christian Louboutin cap-toe heels.
• Kate Winslett (2011) stood out in this simple plunging neckline piece by Elie Saab, combined with Cartier jewels and Roger Vivier clutch.
• Mila Kunis (2009) wears a belted wine-colored, tulle-overlayed dress, again by Monique Lhuiller. Refreshingly fun and edgy for an awards event, it was elegantly styled with side-parted ponytail, Fred Leighton vintage gems, and Salvatorre Ferragamo bronze python platform pumps.

Image via People.com

And the Emmy goes to…

Nina Dobrev for donning an epic blood-red Donna Karan form-fitting strapless mermaid gown, paired with Neil Lane jewels, Judith Lieber clutch and Brian Atwood peep-toes, in last year’s 63rd Emmy Awards. Perfect styling with side-parted, over the shoulder lose curls, smoky eyes and glossy nude lips.

Oh so Hollywood!

She looked absolutely stunning!

In my opinion, no one sizzled in tonight’s 64th Emmy Awards to top Nina’s 2011 red carpet moment.

This new comer has definitely arrived!


Submitted to IFB Project #65: Share Your Favorite Emmy Awards Look

How I Nailed It

Some of my friends are into nail art and for IFB Project #64: Be Origi-nail with Stoli, I decided to venture into a semi-DIY project. To my surprise, it was fun and I was amazed by how a $9 box of Sally Hansen Laced Up polish strips could look this elegant! Durability-wise, I wonder how long it would last.

I work hard and do a lot with my hands. A regular manicure would only last me 3…5 days tops. Then the polish starts to peel off, and of course, I couldn’t stop my self from picking on it.

So when I get nail care once in a blue moon, I go for an elaborate spa mani with exfoliation treatment, hand masque, hydrating massage and always with gel polish of my personally designed “Sheila’s Tuxedo French” – a combination of Black Onyx with White French Tips and Iridescent Glitter faded in.

It is conference room friendly and chic for evening cocktails. I get compliments all the time!

However, more than a manicure, I’d still rather sit in a leather massager recliner to get my Mio Dolce Chocolate Pedicure from no other than Dolce Salon and Spa in Scottsdale Borgata. Imagine a sweet blend of aroma from the cocoa foot dip, coffee grounds scrub and mocha body polish. If it only comes with a delicious Godiva Chocolate Martini =)

Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring'13 - For Men

The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S13 Collections Sep 6-13 is not just for women.

Day 6: John Batlett

It is refreshing to see MBFW feature a non-profit organization pioneer, animal activist and multi-awarded ground-breaking eco fashion designer, like John. With his casual, comfortable, and accessible price points, not to mention the models =) I am a sold!!!

Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring'13

These are some of the ones I loved out of over 100 shows from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S13 Collections Sep 6-13, with Monique Lhuillier as my fave designer (see her fashion show on day 4 below). I didn't find a white dress that I like for next Spring, but happy to see that the ankle strap pointy shoes never go out of style, I need to add to my black and red pairs! 

Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Day 2: Tadashi Shoji

Beautiful creations by Tadashi Shoji I love the simplicity and femininity!

Day 2: Rebecca Minkoff

Fun @songza live music at Rebecca Minkoff show. Street wearable!

Day 3: Nicole Miller

Very vibrant collection. Am diggin' the skinny pants! And I love the leather top dress at 9:30!

Day 3: Charlotte Ronson

She was huge in Asia before making a big name in the Western world. I adore her fresh style; leather/sheer/mesh; nude/black/color blocks. Very cohesive design. And must have her short shorts!

Day 4: Jill Stuart

GORGEOUS collection! The white one at 4:40 is innocently see through, 7:15 is effortless, flowy and chic, the satin and sequins combo was simply beautiful, oh and that gown at 10:30 is divine!

Day 4: Herve Leger

What a genius patchwork creation, combined with leather harness and wide belts, contouring a woman's body in all the right parts creating a long slim sexy silhouette. Perfect 10! I want all of them!

Day 4: Monique Lhuillier

So far, Monique is my fave designer this year.  Black & white, sea foam green, ocean blue, colored leathers...I absolutely love her collection.  Her designs resonate well with me!  I wonder if it has something to do with both of us growing up in the Philippines and coming from the same culture, hmm...

Day 4: Venexiana

For pageants or red carpet events...

Day 5: Carolina Herrera

She did it again, simply stunning! Strategically placed small prints, embellishments and tiny hints of reds and yellows.  The evening gowns are so elegant...

Day 6: Badgley Mishka

Yet another timeless pieces by the long-time power duo, Mark B. and James M. for evening, cocktail or any glamourous event.

Day 7: J. Mendel

Oh.. So demure.  Love the black leather slit skirt at 0:52.  

East to West Fashion Week

This week is very busy for fashion enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. And I think that the IFB Project #63: Create Your Ultimate Fashion Week Look is very fitting.

The 7th Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference #ifbcon officially started in SoHo today, and my phone has been buzzing all day with tweets and instagram posts. So excited and I am not even there!

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 Collections will kick off on September 6. Are you as anxious as I am to see the front row outfits and hear Miss Joan Rivers mercilessly disapprove with humorous sarcasm?

Also in less than 48 hours, the 4th annual Fashion’s Night Out #FNO takes place across the country and around the world. So many invites! My girlfriends and I finally decided on our itinerary starting with the Biltmore Fashion Park. Have you checked out what's going on in your city?

Now, what to wear?

STYLE #1: Dreaming it's Friday afternoon, I'm at the MBFW in 70-degree wet New York City, heading to the theatre for the Rebecca Minkoff show, brushing elbows with royalty herself, i.e. her highness Anna Wintour, I would be draped in a 3.1 Phillip Lim sleeveless, gathered waistline, sand cotton dress; Gucci bordeaux capelet if it gets too cold; and standing in a dramatic Tibi Barbara burgundy patent leather & calf hair ankle strap sandals. Adorned with Alexis Bittar cobalt statement earrings, Judith Jack Maui ring, Chanel enamel cuff from the Paris-Bombay collection, and a Chanel hobo bag in calfskin and tweed to complete the look. Oh, and disguised in Maxmara Amalfi sunglasses for that V.I.P. look =)

#43 – Smart Wear? Label Whore? Or Simply Baduy?


STYLE #2: A J. Mendel leather black dress paired with a dangerous Christian Louboutin lady peep spike pump with a flash of gold Alexander McQueen studded knuckle box clutch to hold my iPhone4 (my personal assistant) cased in a dazzling red and gold hybrid protector. Adding on a Chanel signature cuff, long pike drop earrings by Aurielle Biderman and Tom Ford Nikita Cat Eye sunglasses.

#42 – Smart Wear? Label Whore? Or Simply Baduy?


STYLE #3: Now back to Scottsdale, wide-awake in 100-degree extra dry climate, my Biltmore Fashion Park FNO ensemble includes H&M almost-sheer printed caftan with braided belt, Ann Taylor black resort shorts, and Jessica Simpsons black sling-back platform peep-toe wedges and will accessorize with Charming Charlie black straw hat and Hermes Evelyne III GM messenger bag in rouge casaque. And will wear a lot of sunscreen.

#41 – Smart Wear? Label Whore? Or Simply Baduy?