Rajo X Parisian and Milanos

After yet another lengthy absence from the blogosphere, we're called back into action for Rajo Laurel's second collection with Parisian. This time it was a lot more engaging for P because of the collaboration with SM men's shoe line, Milanos. Check out our thoughts and picks below!

FASHION

I didn't quite feel like myself without a single color (or three) in my outfit. I ended up going with a Bordeaux lipstick to warm up all that black and white.

vintage polka dot top, Landmark midi skirt, Nine West platforms

Got this really cute stretchy skirt at Landmark for a little over P200! The top is a find from a Hong Kong (I think) vintage store. It's made of a sheer fabric and has a smart contrast collar.

My mirrored platforms added a bit of much-needed sparkle since I was feeling too lazy bones to accessorize.

21Men sport coat, Topman shirt and jeans and pocket square, Mark R loafers

P: What I'm especially proud of is that I tied the bow while driving to SMX haha. Anyway, I like this versatile blazer with soft shoulders, you can use it to dress up an outfit or dress it down, if you prefer. I took it straight from the office, rucked the sleeves and switched my slacks for the skinny jeans et voila!

THE SHOW

 The crowd really turned out in anticipation for this collection. From the cocktail area, we were led into the ramp where the show would be held.

 Love these light box displays!

 D: This was my favorite House of Laurel look from the show! Beautiful detail!

 It was an inspired show with so many different elements all embracing the Japanese theme of the collection. From the drums to the dancers which opened the show, we really appreciated how cohesive the entire program was.

 Just like with the first collaboration, the fashion show was followed by a chance for the eager audience to bring home their favorite pairs.

It was a shopping frenzy! Good thing they had several display tables and a ton of helpful SAs! Everyone was clamoring for a closer look.

THE SHOE LINE-UP

The mood board for this collection

Above is the complete catalog, including price points and color swatches for each style. Check it out!

D's Picks

This Kahimi tuxedo slipper was a sure winner. I love the Rose Glitter iteration!

Mifune court shoe in moss green. This pair is a nice break from your usual towering platforms. I love the chunky heel and the length of the vamp.

Oshima platform in orange/fuschia. This one was an obvious favorite. It gives the leg such a nice shape and adds a great pop of color.

P's Picks

Of course, I had to go for the monk strap, it's simple, classic and the buckle is boss without trying. 

 I've always wanted to get a pair of Chelsea boots. These would look great together with dark, slim jeans.

Another style on my shoe bucket list is the suede slipper. You can practically wear this pair with anything and it would look fantastic!

Check out your favorite SM Department Store to grab your picks! Remember, limited pieces per style!

(Mall of Asia, North Edsa, Makati, Mega Mall, Cubao, San Lazaro, Manila, Fairview, Las Piñas, Bacoor, Dasmariñas, Lucena, Lipa, Baguio, Pampanga, Clark, Marilao, Cebu, Lanang, Iloilo)

Mixers

FASHION

Thrifted quilted jacket, BKK sando, Topman jeans

I rarely score items from D's thrifting trips but when we do pick up something, it's usually a keeper like this jacket. I like that it's got a relaxed fit so you don't look like a suman when the rest of your look is tighter or tapered. It's got a nice vintage feel too, with the plaid just peeking out from the inside lining and the corduroy collar.

I was super excited when I found this shop in Platinum selling these awesome printed tops. This is my last ditch effort to get on the tribal bandwagon before it completely leaves the station. 

I was really drawn to the eye-catching print. I don't have anything like it so it's refreshing for my wardrobe.

Got these jeans for half off at the Topshop sale in exactly my size. I've been looking forever for a pair of skinny blue jeans in a 90's wash. These fit the bill and my legs exactly.

The jacket's reversible too if you want to go on full lumberjack mode.

 D: thrifted lace peplum top, Stradivarius black shorts, Pill heels

I posted about this peplum top before but it was the first time I actually got to wear it out. Things sort of get glazed over in my closet if I don't get to use it as soon as I buy it.

I have nothing in this shade of green in my closet so I was definitely keen to see how I could work with it. Love the sharp gray collar against the feminine lace too.It has ruffled cuffs that I tucked into the ends of the sleeves because it was a bit too twee for my liking.

This cross bracelet from the Topman sale (less than P300!) has been seeing a lot of action recently. I kind of like how subdued it is.

Some candy-colored earrings to brighten up my somber outfit. 

These Pill platforms are surprisingly stable. The heel isn't as precarious as I thought so it got some air time on this night out.

FRIDAY NIGHT-IN

Recently, we've both taken to going to Barcino's for their tapas and sangria. We're not huge drinkers but their sangrias are irresistibly good. A few weekends ago, we decided to try our hand at making our own sangria without using a store-bought mix.

 There's a variety of fruits that you can add to your sangria but we chose to go with strawberries and pineapples. Some recipes also suggest peaches or raspberries. We didn't bother with fresh fruit but I don't think it makes a huge difference.

3 cans of ginger ale (approximately 4 cups worth)

 Citrus fruits are a staple but we substituted limes with calamansi since it was readily available. We used only 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 3 pieces of calamansi.

A lot of sangria recipe resources online said that you don't need to use premium wine. In fact, most sites recommended using leftover/value-for money (read: cheap) wine. They did suggest using Cabernet, Merlot, or Shiraz. We got a random bottle from Pioneer Center's liquor section, along with a bottle of Tanduay Rum.

We didn't have a large enough container to hold all that liquid so we had to use a carafe and a pitcher instead. Oh, you also need some sugar for the recipe as well.

Easy does it when you uncork your bottle! 

 We started off by quartering the lemons and oranges and halving the calamansi. Everything is going to go into your container so make sure you cut the fruit small enough to fit into the lip of your carafe/pitcher.

Pour the entire bottle of wine in.

 Squeeze as much juice from your citrus fruits as possible. Don't stress over it though because like we said, the entire wedge is going in anyway.

 Add 2 tablespoons of sugar into your container. 

 Add in a splash of orange juice. You may also use lemon juice if you prefer. 

 Then we poured in almost the entire small bottle of Tanduay (about 200+ ml). You can adjust the amount you want to put in based on your desired "kick." Some other recipes also suggest putting in 2 shots of gin or triple sec. 

 Add in one small can of crushed pineapples. Put in a splash of the juice as well. 

 Then your waiting game begins. Leave your containers in the refrigerator overnight so that the wine can capture all the flavors of the fruit.

 After chilling, pour in your ginger ale.

 Finally, add your strawberries (or whatever other fruit you prefer). You're all done! Serve and enjoy!

We were really satisfied with how the drink turned out! In no way do we claim to be wine/alcohol mixing experts but this turned out pretty good. It was a refreshing, flavorful and tasty drink all in all. The huge fruit pieces are slightly cumbersome but just strain them out as you drink. Needless to say, it was a mellow night in as we sipped our sangrias and had a movie marathon.