The Store: Trilogy Boutique + Canteen

While already covered by countless blogs (and for good reason), I'd like to have my own take on the utter blessing that is the Trilogy Boutique + Canteen. I visited the store this past Sunday and while the store size was not as big as I expected, the awesomeness of the selections totally made up for it, and then some.

Great Expectations: The Trilogy window display along Rada St.

The brainchild of Herrera siblings Vicky, Rosario, and John in partnership with the world-famous Steve Aoki, Trilogy offers the best of youth culture with a triple dose of clothes, accessories, and books (thus the name). With brands like Generic Surplus, Gourmet, and Adidas Originals by Originals already available, the store is definitely a must-see for those with a taste for the unique and limited.

You damn right, Mr. Obama! (Love this shirt!)

Twilight Schmilight. Now, these books are totally right up my alley!

Man, these Lego watches are sick! Might just get one soon!

I actually ran into Vicky Herrera during my visit and she was kind enough to enlighten me about the rationale in selecting brands for the store. "We wanted to have stuff close to Topshop prices," she said. A simple yet well thought-out criteria, in my view. I was actually very surprised to see how affordable some of the stuff was, considering the high-end look they all have!

Trilogy's the only store in Asia that carries these Generic Surplus kicks!

And the store's just half the fun. As mentioned, Trilogy also has a cafe that serves pretty tasty stuff (judging solely from the menu). Didn't get to taste anything just yet, but I'll be sure to try some of the dishes the next time I drop by. I mean if it's as tasty as their retail offerings, then damn, I'll definitely keep coming back for more!

I wonder how the deep fried PBJ sandwich would taste...can't wait!

Vicky told me business was going great. The response has been overwhelming thus far and why not? A fresh concept which pits great clothes and delicious food together with a lot more brands coming soon, Trilogy has truly tickled the fancy of this blogger right 'ere. Really, one visit was all I needed to make sure that this will be one of the stores I'll keep frequenting for years to come!

Trilogy Boutique + Canteen
110 Alvion, Rada Street
Legapi Village, Makati

The Item: Fred Perry Navy Umbrella

A lot of people always ask me why I carry around a big umbrella. They say it's impractical dragging it around, but I always ask them isn't it more impractical to carry an umbrella that leaves them all wet anyways? Anyhow, what I'm driving at is that big umbrellas are preferable by me especially with the crazy weather we've been having lately.

I'm happy with the umbrella I have now, but how I wish I had this sweet Fred Perry umbrella last week instead. Navy on the outside and traditional tartan on the inside, you just know this ain't your ordinary bank-giveaway brollie. A bit on the high side at P2,800 a pop, at least your conscience won't let you forget it anywhere just like with your current one. Oh, and it's pretty big too. Just the way I like it!

You won't mind carrying around this big beaute!

The Rundown

• Bullseye!: Ben Sherman Shangri-La hits the spot with the release of the Target Card and, consequently, the sweet discounts that come with it. {Buddha Banana}
  

• Dean's List: Timmy Ang of Dean and Trent gives his two cents about the current state of Filipino men's style. {Runway to Reality}

• Making the Grade: Rags2Riches goes beyond bags with these amazing designs from current SoFA students. A well deserved A, I say. {Style Anywhere}

• Those Were the Days: Manila was as beautiful as Paris in the 1930s. Yup. Well, at least we still have the Manila Hotel. {The Fash Pack}

The Sale: Fred Perry and Gap End the Season with a Bang!

If my text alerts are not mistaken, my favorite basics brand and my favorite favorite brand takes up to 50% off on selected items starting today! With all the midyear sale craziness going on all over town, this just has to be the most newsworthy, well for me anyways. Time to stock up on those oxfords, khakis, and pique polos, gents! See you all at the shops!

The Guide: Putting Blazers and Jeans Together

My friend Fidel sent me a message asking about what I thought about blazers and jeans. For the record, I love the look, but if and only if it's finely done. Sadly, thanks to frat boys and professional athletes all over the world, the rate of success it has is nothing but underwhelming. I exaggerate not my friends. They've bastardized it that much.

4 buttoned jacket, sloppy collar, baggy pants, choker: This guy needs serious help!

I write this post not to take the look back from those who tastelessly use it, but, more importantly, to convert them. It's really easy to get the pairing right, people. Just like with everything style, fit is the most important thing. For the umpteenth time, stay away from everything baggy and go for stuff that fit! Trust me, the last thing you want is to get that you-borrow-your-big-bro's-clothes look complete with bunching up pants and blazer sleeves that cover your knuckles.

Now this is how your blazers and jeans should fit!

Now to the specifics. For the blazer, don't go for materials that are too formal (think suit jackets and tuxedos). What looks best with jeans are the more casual ones which you usually buy on their own. Tweed, cotton, and wool are great options for this. When it comes to jeans, keep it classic with a darker wash, but keep in mind though that the occasional lighter shades will do for select blazer colors (see below).

One of the best I've seen. Perfect blending of the tweed blazer and jeans!

As for what to wear under the blazer, plain button-down oxfords always look best (though a crewneck and a subtle v-neck will do too). Tuck the oxfords in for best results and get a sweet belt to seal the deal. Footwear options are wide-open. You can wear simple sneaks, oxfords, or loafers along with funky colored socks or better yet, none at all!

The go-to: Navy blazer, the right jeans, and brown loafers

As you can see, it's really that easy. Equipped with this guide, I hope you all go forth and redeem this great look after years of much disrespect from all those jocks and NBA players. Time to finally stand up and show them how's it done, son!

Photos courtesy of GQ, The Sartorialist, and Esquire

The Item: Topman NSFW Suits

Man, talk about NSFW! The always trendy Topman brand recently unveiled these fun "Neon Suits For Work" and I for one can't wait to see how it'll look on the streets. I mean, I won't recommend it, but seriously now, is there any better way to fuck up your boss than showing up in your office with this number on?

That neon green ensemble has me at a loss for words...in a bad way.

Photo courtesy of Selectism