Bottega Veneta's boots and bolos

Yes, for me accessories are the highlights of Bottega Veneta's Fall 2010 collection. And boots have also left deep impressions throughout many of the shows.

These two above are fairly simple, but they illustrate how many pairs of trousers were slimmed down for effect.




These thick-soled lace-ups are then a clear sign of the era the label draws inspiration, or at least imagery, from. (The croc skin on the right is worthy of the brand.)




Weight is what the boots give the outfits, with their soft, creased, and crumpled fabrics. Seeing the whole pictures, the buckled shin straps make more sense — even if they look more like thick wrist bands. (The bags look familiar, right?)




Only a few things that I noticed from show, and these flecked sweaters are part of the list.




Yes, the jeans, and the blazers that are marginally formal and understated enough to avoid being sleek — perfect for the denim-clad and slicked-back romantic/rebel.




Honestly, these are the outfits that I enjoyed the most. Because of the fedoras, which perfectly complement the oval-buckled skinny belts, the thick-soled laceups, and the loose jeans. Oh and the trunks!




Like the bags above, the shirt on the right looks familiar, and I've noticed this in other collections: something is always carried over from the previous season. In this case the print. The shirt on the left looks new, even if it resembles the M on Maison Martin Margiela's shirts and tees from a past collection.




Spring 2010's DBs have shed their pagoda shoulders for Fall. The colors are also familiar.




Though I'm not complaining since the jackets are indeed distinct, unlike the satin trousers on the right, which resemble those from Dolce & Gabbana and maybe even Prada.




These evening jackets may have been meant to be the collection's masterpieces, with their oil paint splotches. (Cummerbunds again!)




But this only brings me to my point that Fall 2010 is quite disappointing for Bottega Veneta. That is why I am posting next their Spring 2010 collection, which I missed and I am partial for.

Thrift bag bonanza + skulls and yellow boots

It was a good thing I decided to brave the floods at Pasong Tamo Avenue (occasionally known as Pasong Tamo River) to attend the first birthday party of a colleague's daughter. If I didn't I wouldn't have gone to a nearby thrift store at Makati Cinema Square to score these wonderful items.



The mustard yellow leather backpack (no brand) was a no-brainer, since I loved the color, details, and the material. I thought that was that until I saw the black polka dot and lightning bag (brand: Double Shock).









Now I wonder why I didn't find these backpacks while I was in school. Love the rivets and detailing at the back.









The bigger flap of the leather bag opens with a zippered compartment inside. It is tied by a strip in the same material. Buckles!









This is my third lucky thrifted leather bag (the one at the leftmost is only leatherette). It is evident that I love the different shades of brown when it comes to bags. I'm still missing something in the reddish leather of Florence.









This Zara backpack was another surprise. At first glance (and at first try on my back), not only was it unwieldy, but also deceptively ugly. What drew me to it was the thickness of the canvas and the numerable straps.









Each pocket is secured by a strap, and so is the main compartment. There's no doubt that the bag is sturdy and dependable. I have a feeling I will be needing it soon as I take on more projects that will require more mobility.









Then I also found these totes, which are very light compared to the Zara sack. They almost have the same color for their pleather detailing.









Am keeping them for lighter days, when the biggest thing I would be carrying is a book.









I also found this poison skull print hoodie in terry cloth. Thinking of wearing it at the OS event on Thursday, with accessories of course. Beside it are more mustard yellow items: industrial boots.









I have always liked this color, and the tassels remind me of Charlie Brown and an old pair I used for the longest time as a boy. Need this not just for a pop of color but also for the rain (puddles and floods). I know they're suede, but what the hell. Best worn with rough denim.









Now off they go to the laundry and the leather specialists. Time to let go of some old bags that are already dusty...

Through the flood

I hate it when heavy rains flood the city, but do not at all mind wading through water – given that they reach no further than the shore.


Trench di cotone, Stefanel; camicia di cotone e pantaloni a sigaretta con tasche a filo, CP Company; boots stringati di pelle invecchiata, Diesel

'L'Irlanda'
From Velvet March 2009
Photogaphy by Perry Ogden, Styling by Nik Piras
Model: Julien Sabaud @ D'Man
Scanned by MartiX from Model Hommes

I love the feel of this editorial: the beach, windy meadows, and perhaps, sentimental music.


Completo di colone gessato con giaccia monopetto e pantaloni con doppa plissettatura, t-shirt di sets girocollo: tutto Lanvin

The boots keep the outfits rugged – jackets, trenches, bowlers, and all.


Trench di tessuto tecnico, camicia di denim con plaston, pantaloni di lino con pirices: tutto Trussardi 1911; bombetta di panno, A.N.G.E.L.O.; boots, Diesel

You are drawn to listen to the landscape.

Camicia di cotone e pantaloni gessati, Diesel Black Gold; cravatta tricot di seta, Gallo; calze, Calzedonia; scarpe di suede, Paul Smith

Dream of other places.


Giacca da smoking doppiopetto di tela mohair e camicia di popeline, Prada

I've never been to Ireland, but this reminds me of the works of some Irishmen, starting with Seamus Heaney.


Caban di tela e camicia di cotone pressato, Closed; pantaloni di misto lino, PS Paul Smith

Memories of hawthorn burning.

Camicia di lino e pantaloni oversize a vita alta, Belstaff; cintura, Closed; calze, Calzedonia; boots, Diesel

Gilet di cotone, PS Paul Smith; camicia rigata e pantaloni oversize, Paul Smith; bombetta, A.N.G.E.L.O.

Bogs. From what I've read, it seems impossible to just dip your toe in the country.


Abito di lino con giacca monopetto e pantaloni a sigaretta, Etro; boots, harley-Davidson

You run through its streets.

Pantaloni di cotone rigato stretti in fondo, Emporio Armani; calze, Calzedonia; tessuto di raso lucido, Jab

You get to know adversity.


Abito con giacca monopetto e pantaloni stretti in fondo, Canali; camicia di cotone traforata, Etro

Trench di seta con cappucio, Giorgio Armani; gilet monopetto, Sisley; camicia di cotone e pantaloni con microcheck, United Colors of Benetton

Back to shoes

This post's shoe alphabet goes from Alden, Buttero, and Pierre Hardy to Sperry, Supra, Undercover, and Visvim.



These Alden Greenwich boots are just a taste of what Leffot has on offer. The pair is a collaboration between the shoemaker Alden and the downtown New York store (10 Christopher Street, NY, NY). First read about Leffot on The Sartorialist. Then (circa 2008), as now, the shop's shoe selection is impeccable. Take a look for yourself, but of course, after you have scrolled down to the end of this post.




First thing I noticed about this pair was the deep navy color, which is somewhat greenish, and the almost slippery look of the oiled nubuc is just plain sinful. Reminded me first of brogue boots by Tricker's, but I think these look a lot more delectable.




The uppers are made of Horween Chamois, "a fat liquored, mill dyed leather, that is incredibly soft and supple". I love how the different layers of the sole and the stitched provide an array of colors, all perfectly complementing the leather. More info on this:

We [Leffot] built these boots on Flex Welt soles, which are oil soaked for flexibility but also have a high degree of water resistance and often referred to as double water-lock soles. We then requested a mid tan pre-stitch reverse welt (storm welt) to give it some muscle, and had the welt continue around the back of the heel rather than stop at the breast (a term that refers to the front edge of the heel).




The agatine eyelets add a subtle and unobtrusive touch, and the flat, waxed laces are in a color interesting enough to get noticed but still subdued as to avoid being dominant.




These Buttero hiking boots, on the other hand, are in the mood to roughen things up, with fuller leather laces caught by hooks.




Chocolate brown in monochrome suits this pair, which is serious, casual, durable, not to mention very comfortable.




Buttero uses vegetable tanned leather for the uppers, with full leather lining, and metal eyelets.




The even color resulting from the dye gives it a tinge of sophistication, albeit grounded (extra grip) by thick Vibram soles.




Combining chic, urban, and street sleek is Pierre Hardy, with its cuff boots that have yellow crepe soles and a conjoined heel that gives the look of a wedge.




The adjusting strap that forms a Union Jack at the back is not typical as well.




I love the contour of the boots, which look straightforward from the front. Nothing beats unexpected drama.




The same goes for Visvim's new take on its Paine Moc-Folk slip-ons, which from the side and front look half-formal and half-sporty.






But from above (except for the intentional tag), the pair looks very work-appropriate, tassels and all.




Finally we move to the sneakers section of this post! First up are these Undercover x Zozovilla Open Limited pairs in black, navy, and beige.




I just love how the leather warps. So much better without laces. Just like lazy slip-ons!






Leather and canvas combination.




White toe cap.




Again, a Japanese label displays product details, tagline in tow, on the exterior of the shoe. The best thing after the wrinkled leather is the band of brown at the back, with white stitches!




If you'd designed something like this, you'd also brag about it right on the product.




Oh, there are even grommets!




How do you spell obsession?




Again, I rejoice at a good pair of slip-ons. This time from Supra. This Belay model is in gray waxed fleece.




Another item you must feel with your hand before wearing on your feet.




Even if they're really just slip-ons modified with laces that need no tying, the addition is fun and quirky.




Last but not the least are Sperry's Bahama Chukka Boots in gray and navy.




Love the color and the lining.




There's really no arguing how there is always room for Sperries in your life.




For weekends. (Of course for school, when sneakers are your life.)




For trips to the grocery.




The country or the coast.




Or even just your neighborhood.




You may like this chukka incarnation or not.




But trust me, there are days that you simply want to go incognito.




Even if you're not a celebrity with I'm-dodging-the-paparazzi-sunglasses, we all need peace — and the proper pair to ease you in it.