Style and Soul

Four years after its release, ICHIGO, a line of quality shoes, bags and accessories, continues to establish itself as a strong brand in the Philippine fashion industry. Its owner and designer Charlene Yap has captured the hearts of Philippine-based fashion bloggers and a niche of young and stylish Filipina women.

From a mere bazaar and online store (http://ichigoshoes.multiply.com), the brand at present, has opened six actual stores all over Metro Manila and four in provincial areas. Despite this achieved expansion, it remains persistent to further improve itself and its designs for greater success in the future.

ICHIGO’s most favored products are its array of feminine, fashion-forward and interesting shoes. Taking inspiration from the highly individual and experimental Japanese fashion sense, Ichigo offers styles that keep up, if not anticipate trends. Aside from the innovative and unique styles of their heels and wedges, they feature classic footwear like flats and oxfords with a twist by using distinctively fresh and modern details.

And their latest addition to the family? Cute footsies for children c/o Tiny Ichigo!

But more than fashion, the brand never compromises comfort and durability while maintaining knock-out and reasonable prices.

Ichigo bags are recommended best-buys as well. Its collection of oversized, sling, and laptop bags from a mix of adorably printed fabrics, patent, faux and croc leather will surely tickle any fashionista’s fancy. The brand prides in well-thought and well-made items with only the best raw materials outsourced from Philippines and China.

Ichigo’s steady rise in the market has caught the attention of top lifestyle and fashion magazines; plus, a large number of loyal following. Despite this achievement, Charlene keeps herself grounded. She makes herself accessible to sponsoring fashion blogs and looks out for other venues to sell her line.

Without resting on her laurels, Charlene consistently pushes the threshold by churning out up-to-date designs and searching for novel materials to work with in order to put Ichigo in the fashion map here and abroad.

(c)Melai Entuna

Photos by Melai Entuna & courtesy of Ichigo

Great Fashion Finds at Robinsons Midtown

Style correspondents: Melai Entuna & Aisa Ipac

Article by Melai Entuna

A lot of women have created a habit out of shopping; or in some cases, window shopping. Most of the time, they do it out of pure randomness as long as they get the inevitable urge to do so. But before heading out to go on another buying excursion, kick off the impulsive spending and try making a list of good deal purchases.

Schedule one of your shopping days at any Robinsons Mall. All are currently having an all-out up to 70% off SALE until August 31. Don’t miss on that!

In search for the greatest fashion finds, my blogger friend Aisa and I were able to check out a few stores at Robinson’s Midtown thanks to Jeffrey Siy who invited us in a bloggers’ event. Here are some of our recommended buys.

Topshop / Topman

One or (two rather) of our most favorites. Topshop and Topman house mostly trendy clothes with a mix of basics and a few timeless pieces. Their black and white dresses have new twists on details and they have a wide array of items to choose from: cropped tops, graphic tees, floral dresses, tulle skirts, lace and studded tops, blazers, jeans and many more.

From our list to yours:

From Store to Style

We tried on a few pieces to give you an idea on how we would wear them on the street. I love how each of our personalities become more distinct with our wardrobe choices.

Dorothy Perkins

For the simple yet feminine dressers, this is the store you need to check out. They have a lot of vibrantly printed and colorful dresses in varying length, chic blouses and plenty of basics and office appropriate wear. Their items are essentially classic in silhouette and style but very modern and updated in spirit.

From Store to Style:

While Aisa was on a bathroom break, I chose a few items for her for a mini styling challenge for myself. I tried to use her style as an inspiration and I was so glad she liked the items.

This polka and striped dress has an A-line skirt and rounded collar. We paired it with black satin flats with gold chains around the ankle and finished the look with a nude sling bag.

Cameo: Bestie with her loots!

Meanwhile second outfit we selected was a nice printed tank top and an army cardigan paired with the same flats. This is a very stylish errand outfit. Both are made of cotton so be rest assured to feel pure comfort the whole day around.

Accessorize

Thinking that I would be visiting another accessory shop similar to Marcela or Girl Shoppe, I was incredibly surprised with its collection of bags, hats, hair trinkets, loads of rings, plethora of necklaces in screaming colors and unique designs, gorgeous earrings, sunglasses, belts, just almost anything a girl would need to complete an outfit (so many to choose from). Though a bit pricey, for all its worth, go ahead and invest on their items!

From our list to yours:

I wish we could add more but there's just plenty of photos and not enough time to put them all in!