The Rundown: The Item's Best of 2010

• I'm with the Band: After years of Band of Outsiders oggling, I not only touched, but also took home a piece of my favorite brand's critically-acclaimed collection. Wow.
  

• It's Play Time: My girlfriend wasn't there during my birthday, but boy did she make up for it in the best way. A Comme Des Garcons Play Shirt? All is forgiven, love!
  

• From the Bargain Bin: In the year of fine footwear finds, these Opening Ceremony loafers are right up there . I did get them for 90% off the original price after all!
  

• Look at the Time: My favorite timepiece of 2010 is this simple Timex Nylon Camper from Robinson's Department Store. GQ wrote about it too, months after I did. Haha!
  

• The New Fit: I gained weight this year, so it is but natural for me to migrate from skinny jeans to something less constricting. These Zara light jeans are a fine start.
  

The Rundown: The Return of the Comeback!

• The Bare Essentials: Can't stress these must-have shirts enough, so Ant continues to do so for those who still won't listen. {Alphabetical}

• An Old Favorite: Christine talks about her love of Muji, one that riles me up even more for the store's can't-it-be-today-instead opening. {Manila Fashion Observer}

• California Dreaming: M and K living the good life - countryside driving, wine-tasting, and outlet shopping in the U.S. of A. {Urbanity}

• Mutual Admiration: Renowned photographer Juergen Teller's love letter to EWS' Ryan and Garovs is just utterly awesome. {Everywhere We Shoot}

• Charmed Bracelet: Izzy can now say his Giles and Brother by Phillip Crangi Railroad Spike bracelet is truly his own. {The Dandy Project}
  

Photo courtesy of Alphabetical

The Rundown

• Everybody Loves a Comeback: Local menswear brand Comeback Kid gives fellas all over a refreshing dandy option to break all that nonchalant monotony. {Buddha Banana}

• The Good 'Ole Days: Ah, can we just bring back the days when cargo shorts and giveaway shirts were non-existent everyday pieces in Ateneo? {Chuvaness}

• On Another Level: All hail Michael Cinco and his overwhelming visual exhibition that capped off Philippine Fashion Week. That, sir, was world-class! {Style Kit}

• Tis' the Season: Rainy day wardrobe suggestions for him and her for the lone season in our homeland where layering is humanly possible. {Urbanity}

• Encore, Encore!: The second installment of the Vans Sample Sale at Trilogy is even better as you have a week to check out the sick kicks. {Manila Fashion Observer}
  

The Rundown

• One Last Hurrah: Summer may be coming to an end, but with FILED! Beach Bags, the fun's just getting started. {Style Kit}
  
• Easy Like Sunday Morning: Nothing like spending the Sabbath at the wonderful sites of Legaspi Village and thrift shopping after. {El Bosquejo}
• Bangkok Burning: Next time when making a political point, please leave the innocent state-of-the-art shopping malls out of it. {Chuvaness}
• It's That Time Again: With the release of the Philippine Fashion Week scheds, can't help but hope for the best for Philippine menswear. {Runway 2 Reality}
• Summer Sighting: A lovely summer outfit anchored by, surprise, surprise, a fine Fred Perry button-down. {Style Anywhere}
• A Cut Above: I tried my hand at teaching you how to cut shorts, but I admit it's best to consult the master of DIY on this one. {The Dandy Project}
  

The Rundown

• Does it Come in Men's?: Vans releases the women's only, saddle shoe-inspired Sophie shoes, making me envious of the ladies yet again. {Manila Fashion Observer}
  

• Threesome's are Welcome!: Theodore's is on another one of their generous giveaway streaks, giving you a free pair of denim for every two you buy. {Style Kit}

• A Lovely Getaway: M and K spent their anniversary/Valentine's in a fine beach with a bottle of Moet. Ah, the finer things in life. {Urbanity}

• Style Spotlight: Fred Perry's Joan Cantemprate is highlighted and rightfully so. The pretty lady's personal style is one of the most charming in the Metro. {Buddha Banana}
  

The Rundown

• Empire Strikes Back: Star Wars inspired Adidas kicks? Yes please! Coming from a die hard Star Wars fan, definitely the best collab this decade so far! {Style Samurai}

• Custom Projects: Izzy shares with us the joy of Blank Label, the online shirt makers who'll let you put your shirt together as you please. {The Dandy Project}

• The Reel Deal: The UP Film Institute shows those chumps at the Metro Manila Film Fest what true film making is all about. {Chuvaness}

• White Out: Ant gives us this interesting picture of a man's Tiger Woods-esque love of white sneakers. Yup, there are lots of 'em! {Alphabetical}

The Rundown: Styles's Best of 2009

Wow, the last day of the decade is here. What a ride's it been indeed! To cap off the wonderful year the blog has had, I'd like to give my last review of the year's finest. This time, let's shine the spotlight on the looks I loved which I managed to share with all of you. Admittedly, there were a lot more that were left undocumented. That's why part of my resolutions list is to give a whole lot more for you next year! That's a friggin' Styles I Love promise!

• Doctor's Orders: Dr. Gerard Henson was the first look I featured. With his fine casual choices, what an inauguration it was.

• All About Attitude: Kiko Escora's look was fine for what it was (with the Rick Owens sneaks and all), but it was his cool swagger that put the whole thing together.

• Without Even Trying: When I grow up, I want to be like Rodney Picar. The man's effortless preppy look highlighted by his embroidered pants was pure genius.

• Fantastic Basic: Spike Acosta's basics, along with his knack of making bargains look a lot more valuable, proves you don't have to complicate or spend to look good.

• Menswear Maven: Designer Joey Samson's jersey pants was quite the looker. I'm still on the search for a similar pair, even to this day.
  

The Rundown: The Item's Best of 2009

As the year winds down, here I am again with yet another review of my best of 2009. Now, we go to my most blogged about category: "The Item". You know what, it's easy to scour the internets and the malls for stuff I love, thus, the sheer volume of posts, but here's the best of the best that I saw this year. It's a mish-mash of big money and affordable items, proving great finds were aplenty in '09! Sure hope 2010 is equally as amazing!

• The Shoes: The product of Kanye West's collabo with Louis Vuitton was all I expected it to be and more. I got to try them on too and it felt oh so good!

• The Camera: The folks at Ricoh really want me to leave my Nikon D60 behind. If their GXR is every bit as awesome as advertised, they may just have me converted.
  

• The Belt: Paul Smith's weaved number is the best of the year, bar none. Too bad they don't have it in the Greenbelt and Shangri-La boutiques.
  

• The Bag: Who knew men could be into that eco-chic movement too? Vic Barba's Ayala Mall sponsored totes prove that we fellas can also help nature with flair.
  

• The Shorts: The year marked the return of shorter shorts for men. It hasn't quite caught on, but these Topman offerings sure make for a great argument.
  

• The Shirt: Because of the charming pattern and great fit, there hasn't been a more used shirt in my wardrobe than these Joey Samson x Human tees.
  

The Rundown: The Guide's Best of 2009

To close this wonderful year of ze blog's birth, I'd like to take a look back at the best of whatever seeming nonsense I wrote in the past year. First up, "The Guides" I've given to all men who'd like to know better. Admittedly, I may not be qualified to give such tips, but take a gander at 'em and see if you'll agree. In the end, it's up to you anyways if you'll follow them or not. All I'll do is keep churning 'em out in the hopes that I've made just one dude dress a little bit better!

• Kamuning Customs: Proof that a little money and whole lotta guidelines can get you the items you've always wanted right at the heart of QC.

• My Ten Essentials: It's been done to death by men's magazines everywhere, but I'd like to give my own take on this matter of national interest.

• Rollin' Along: How to make the best of what's truly been the go-to pants presentation of the last two years.

• Swimwear Shimmy: You think you know, but you have no idea. In my opinion, the best look one could ever have while baring what you can during those summer trips.

• Bow Tie Brigade: Don't you think it's damn time you learned how to tie one all by your lonesome? Do this, and you can finally fill that "achieved something great" void in '09!
  

The Rundown

• Planning Ahead: MFO gives FILED! Planners its Stocking Stuffer seal of approval. {Manila Fashion Observer}
  

• Time is Golden: Another awesome and affordable watch from Casio that takes the old saying quite literally. {Cholo Dela Vega}

• Weekend Brunch: Sumptuous breakfast options to fight your Saturday night hangover. {Urbanity}

• Another Day, Another Sale: Status Mag's latest Yardsale is shaping up to be a must-visit with brands like Dean and Trent setting up shop. {Project Manila}

• Penny for your Thought: Penny loafers with actual pennies in the slots, just as god intended. {The Dandy Project}
  

The Rundown

• Fountain of Wealth: Evian and Paul Smith bring you today's unnecessary but oh so enchanting purchase: a water bottle with stripes on it. {Buddha Banana}

• Match Made in Heaven: Daphne raves about the Leica x Hermes M7s which are every bit as tasty as they are pricey. {Daphne's Diary}

• Birthday Treat: Tintin celebrates her birthday the way everyone should: by giving away something awesome. {Manila Fashion Observer}

• Mayhem in H&M: Oh man, I never thought getting Jimmy Choo's would be hazardous to your health! {Cholo Dela Vega}

Photo courtesy of High Snobiety

The Rundown

• Nothing Beats the Original: Sure, Collezione is making a killing with those flag shirts, but let's not forget, Team Manila started it all. {Style Samurai}

• Stealing the Show: Jerome Lorico's collection was fine, but the shoes from Bang Pineda x Cardam were the true stars of the show. {El Bosquejo}
  

• Once You Go Black...: Onin of Style Anywhere's love for black and its many incarnations is featured in this month's Meg Magazine. {Style Anywhere}

• Duffle Done Right: Izzy's "Megawatt Blue" Commes Des Garcons duffle coat is the last straw. I think I want one for myself. {The Dandy Project}

• Christmas Comes Early: Paul Smith gives a 30% discount on ALL items. Okay, not really all, but a good chunk of it I suppose (or at least hope). {Buddha Banana}
  

Designs courtesy of Team Manila

The Rundown: Fashion Week Edition

• Thrill of the Chase: Ziggy Savella's take on hunting attire, sans the murdered prey. {Style Anywhere}

• You've Got Male: M. Barreto gives the fellas something to cheer about with a collection I regret having missed. {Cholo Dela Vega}

• Front Row Jo Bro: This dude looks like the Jonas Brothers long lost sibling, only cooler. {El Bosquejo}

• Needs More Revision: Penshoppe's by-invitation-only dinner/fashion show concept was great. The styling? Mmm. Not so much. {The Fash Pack}

Photo courtesy of ZiggySavella.com

The Rundown

• Will You Look at the Time: Cholo shares my love for God's greatest gift to broke men who love simple, clean aesthetics, the Casio MQ 24. {CDV}

• At a Loss for Words: Makati Shangri-La brings emoticons to life with cakes that will get you nothing but >:DThe Fash Pack}

• Sustainable Development: Some practical tips on how to look good without murdering Mother Nature. {The CityLifeStylist}
  

• What Glitters Ain't Gold: Glistening cap toe bucks from the blogosphere's leading DIY artist. {The Dandy Project}

• Even Mommy Approves!: 5CM's 2009 FW collection is so sweet that even young moms want a piece of the action. {Manila Fashion Observer}

• It's That Time of the Year Again: The Philippine Fashion Week SS '10 is fast approaching, and oh, the government is putting on a show? {Runway 2 Reality}
  

The Rundown: The Ondoy Aftermath

The storm's over and the floods are finally starting to disappear, but the real work is just about to begin. With so many displaced without anything to cling on, the blogging community shows its heart and does what it can to mobilize the masses. I for one am proud to be united with these people in spreading the word.

• Help Directory: A comprehensive list of how you can do your part. {The Fash Pack}
  

• Help Directory, Part Deux: A helpful link to the Inquirer's own compiled list. {The CityLifeStylist}

• Store's Open: Paul Smith and Ben Sherman are also accepting donations which they'll send to various relief operations. {Alphabetical}
  

• Close to Home: A great place to start helping is with the people around you. {Chuvaness}

• Be Prepared: Some tips on how to prepare for floods that hopefully won't be needed anytime soon. {Manila Fashion Observer}

The Rundown

• National Treasure: Collezione C2 continues to make sweet patriotic shirts that give horridly dressed politicians a chance to look half-decent in casual garb. {The CityLifeStylist}

• The Magic Fabric: With yet another endorsement, it seems as though chambray is finally getting the respect it damn sure well deserves. {Alphabetical}
  

• My First Freebie?: A free serving of Chocnut Ice Cream is in store for those who blog about the already famous dessert from Canteen. Considering my appetite, you may wanna take that offer back. {Cholo Dela Vega}

• Forbidden Fruit: Apple has finally unleashed the new iPods into the wild. Somewhere, Steve Jobs is grinning in his tacky black turtleneck, enjoying your well-earned money. {Kikay Exchange}

Photo courtesy of Collezione C2

The Rundown

• A Band Apart: Finally, somebody who shares my love for Band of Outsiders and their wonderful model selection process. {Offbeat Collective}
  

• Three's a Company: Trilogy and the 2 GreyOne Social outlets are having their final sale of the year starting tomorrow. Yes, a threesome I can take part in! {Beautiful Things}

• Going Down: Ant made a case for drop crotch pants for men. A convincing argument, but we're all waiting for the pictures, man! {Alphabetical}

• The Look or Less: Go-sees for the models who want to be in the Philippine Fashion Week SS 2010 shows are happening this Sunday. Uhm, is there a "normal guy look" category? {Runway 2 Reality}

• The Big 4-O: Gap celebrated its 40th by releasing their 1969 Premium Jeans. I guess what they say about life just beginning at 40 is true; the brand's never looked better. {Chuvaness}

The Rundown

• I Tote You So: Tote bags from Uniqlo and APC that should finally convert all you tote bag doubters out there. {Alphabetical}

• Back to Basics: Finally, Penshoppe got it. Their "Recut" billboards featured great jeans, sexy models, and not much else. The result? A smashing success. {The CityLifeStylist}

• Genuine Article: Espadrilles are popping up everywhere, but Mr. Celestial's new pair proves that authentics really are the way to go. {El Bosquejo}
  

• Bleach Catastrophe: A truly atrocious Basement Salon horror story that just needs to be retold. {Chuvaness}

The Rundown

• Where are You, Yeezy?: The Kanye West x LV kicks have finally landed on Philippine soil. Sadly, still very much unavailable at P45K a pop. {Beautiful Things}

• Art Attack: The Ateneo Art Awards 2009 entitled 'The Next Wave" shines the spotlight on promising young artists who'll keep us in awe for years to come. {Style Anywhere}

• Eye Candy: Pictures from the kickoff to what would be (and I exaggerate not) one of the most visually stimulating weeks in Philippine history. Can't wait for next year's edition! {Project Manila}

• A Parting Gift: Buddha Banana's Ram expands his shoe lineup with sweet suede Opening Ceremony slip ons from the soon-to-be-moving-out Theodore's. {Buddha Banana}
  

The Rundown

• Heart of Sold: Now whoever thought that adding a heart with eyes would make Chucks more desirable? Oh yeah, Commes Des Garcons. {Chuvaness}
  

• Second-Hand Sensations: Many say thrift shopping is all about knowing where to get the great stuff. If that's the case, then Mr. Celestial hit the friggin' shoe jackpot. {El Bosquejo}
  

• Anything for a Cause: Ayala Malls just launched Reusable Designer Bags - eco firendly, limited edition bags designed by six great local designers. Mother Earth and fashionistas roar in approval. {Runway 2 Reality}
  

• Best Foot Forward: Because it's not about where you've been, it's about where you've photographed your feet at. {Offbeat Collective}

• Shoe Swap: Izzy scored these sweet Opening Ceremony lace-ups from El Bosquejo's Miguel Paolo Celestial. Any amazing leftovers up for grabs? {The Dandy Project}