tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46532400985592590942024-02-06T20:14:03.139-08:00toccataCelebrated Philippine wedding gown designer Michi Calica walks you through her latest design adventures with anecdotes about the exquisite pieces she designs and who she designs them for. Featured here too are musings of recent celebrity brides and her take on their designer wedding gowns.toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-72048324377897555002010-03-20T17:16:00.000-07:002010-03-20T18:05:18.428-07:00CHANGE OF ADDRESS<div style="text-align: center;">After a great time here in my old home - </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am excited to invite you to my new virtual address!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre;">Check out my new and improved <a href="http://www.toccataweddings.com/">blog.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a photo of my old bridal house and flower shop at The Oasis Manila.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was here for a good six years.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5T2hn1Z4yzAYtT9jnuGIIY3KBYjysyzXiJ4M2D9b2qVJS_14fRhQCVXjIwUqb55ODRkkacKoUmCH84mM_XJO-gob8mdYNPO1ODftBto6tA7Xdk_JGVo5kgqr9ihFukX05GVcYmuquBs/s1600-h/val09shop1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5T2hn1Z4yzAYtT9jnuGIIY3KBYjysyzXiJ4M2D9b2qVJS_14fRhQCVXjIwUqb55ODRkkacKoUmCH84mM_XJO-gob8mdYNPO1ODftBto6tA7Xdk_JGVo5kgqr9ihFukX05GVcYmuquBs/s400/val09shop1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450881807379314642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to my new virtual address!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toccataweddings.com/">toccataweddings.com</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Come join me at my new and exciting blog. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It's time to move on to bigger and better things...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0_2KwnScwHH_3NFH5EKKNjxAT5beAFn46jBzYKlKZC-8s4wMrRMJoTpaItcgmlpl_jQjux0qDKg3s5r3K8RPt64SY-N9s2gxINN0WllXvQIUa7I5PtOEfF0pbpzynxFfzujjDdnfbuQ/s1600-h/designs+filipino.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0_2KwnScwHH_3NFH5EKKNjxAT5beAFn46jBzYKlKZC-8s4wMrRMJoTpaItcgmlpl_jQjux0qDKg3s5r3K8RPt64SY-N9s2gxINN0WllXvQIUa7I5PtOEfF0pbpzynxFfzujjDdnfbuQ/s400/designs+filipino.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450881423713414962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">On that note, here is my new boutique, Bonne Bouche at swanky Greenbelt 5, Makati.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this new boutique - everything about it smells top end.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Telephone 02 729 0486)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-47608931437264627032010-02-24T23:44:00.000-08:002010-02-25T16:50:16.414-08:00HOT SUMMER SHOES FOR EVERYDAY<div style="text-align: center;">My second daughter Christiana kept reminding me that </div><div style="text-align: center;">I owed her a prize for making it to outstanding student this trimester.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0GxVNEN3JpG4VNhqkN62Q9KQhyI1T5yldLHl3RWd3Ge5TpT-_LCJ1XWNe7QhmIoFdea1au317DgpzBAfGFwIlv5Xi3AFd54kbX2YyZfV5hgCf9NVvLf_HoUkaepz_GG4dg4UYsJGmcU/s1600-h/IMG_1iana+stickers690.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0GxVNEN3JpG4VNhqkN62Q9KQhyI1T5yldLHl3RWd3Ge5TpT-_LCJ1XWNe7QhmIoFdea1au317DgpzBAfGFwIlv5Xi3AFd54kbX2YyZfV5hgCf9NVvLf_HoUkaepz_GG4dg4UYsJGmcU/s400/IMG_1iana+stickers690.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442084303327880594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">All she wanted was for me to take her to Regina's at Shoppesville.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> She wanted more stickers for her fluffy sticker collection - summer's here!!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLpiANA9j_iVF894isPLE1Kr9QRovis-LT635X2o1sj3TPWSMhnpWaXnVho_uxfoi9rr5skJw2Tui0LwWGTlCUeH_6AbujQqfVvtKmIBtW73xhhpDVJL1tBSr28NkZPmg-oKqhKsa-H0/s1600-h/summer+stickers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLpiANA9j_iVF894isPLE1Kr9QRovis-LT635X2o1sj3TPWSMhnpWaXnVho_uxfoi9rr5skJw2Tui0LwWGTlCUeH_6AbujQqfVvtKmIBtW73xhhpDVJL1tBSr28NkZPmg-oKqhKsa-H0/s400/summer+stickers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442084297839240066" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This was my ultimate fave collage amongst her purchases today.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4UbDMsPbIC2dprXS3-29xetyOPV0tCh6zGBf6NX4MhR3iyLJFiow2sTu84FrijVFwAOpSHGzDXBzQJCfF4PfdaKqKXjr4RsvP9JS60oAH3jPIaSW-EMmA49Jc9X2altfFM7DDn8boy0/s1600-h/wedge+top+version.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4UbDMsPbIC2dprXS3-29xetyOPV0tCh6zGBf6NX4MhR3iyLJFiow2sTu84FrijVFwAOpSHGzDXBzQJCfF4PfdaKqKXjr4RsvP9JS60oAH3jPIaSW-EMmA49Jc9X2altfFM7DDn8boy0/s400/wedge+top+version.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442084281410928194" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, I made a purchase of my own,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a pair of Zontary's 'Habana' sport platforms</div></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z4dU8LqGQ-eZuWumfDjMvFTMx_vL2-EwskpknfJMNFFA2WBg-Ige_Vw3pO_byQwe1D1dK_x1y76VPWrFrS8xfFLx0UBSjLwAqbjyse4FZ3OKhJUAHhx0Z5PhE4nZ56m7u-DCpKmW__Q/s1600-h/wedge+side.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z4dU8LqGQ-eZuWumfDjMvFTMx_vL2-EwskpknfJMNFFA2WBg-Ige_Vw3pO_byQwe1D1dK_x1y76VPWrFrS8xfFLx0UBSjLwAqbjyse4FZ3OKhJUAHhx0Z5PhE4nZ56m7u-DCpKmW__Q/s400/wedge+side.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442084274990618962" /></a>How can four inch platforms be so easy to walk in and be sooo comfy?<div>Looks like girls of all ages have a collection to complete. Have a great weekend!</div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-66647813516246086712010-02-23T17:51:00.000-08:002010-02-25T05:11:05.982-08:00ESSENTIAL SUMMER PIECES: IT'S ALL ABOUT FEELING GOOD!<div style="text-align: center;">Summer is definitely here! You can tell as the heat is on. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The grass in our garden is fast drying up, and our </div><div style="text-align: center;">little Amanda is chasing butterflies, barefoot and restless...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JRsHNoVYFRNg7mcxC9kNbYakJ-kWgTTsn-QmAaSmT8tH125rAqVCLL7g76W6Z4yOgROJN4qwydVKAIyf7XpPlmGBsyVjb7lxqI8VgxRuJ_M7Y3_kIIntuMm_SqPaZM3N0MPmGTycnGo/s1600-h/nice+butterfly.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JRsHNoVYFRNg7mcxC9kNbYakJ-kWgTTsn-QmAaSmT8tH125rAqVCLL7g76W6Z4yOgROJN4qwydVKAIyf7XpPlmGBsyVjb7lxqI8VgxRuJ_M7Y3_kIIntuMm_SqPaZM3N0MPmGTycnGo/s400/nice+butterfly.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622690565731906" /></a><span><div style="text-align: center;">It wasn't a planned shopping day (it never really is), </div><div style="text-align: center;">but summer is a time to shed all those heavier pieces- time to wear easy and breathable ones.</div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcP__ZGYiRI1M_Tl_ClUeojEwQlZX5qkQzfS9YmGMZNGoiH5-rqgzJu4ywaiAs037vY8CbnSYz8XsNpoWqMfKpY0V8h-px7rG-F3zjnyVAsYbvjLVuTMMMnX0X-wuJeCKCC5zxJdytPg/s1600-h/yayabag.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcP__ZGYiRI1M_Tl_ClUeojEwQlZX5qkQzfS9YmGMZNGoiH5-rqgzJu4ywaiAs037vY8CbnSYz8XsNpoWqMfKpY0V8h-px7rG-F3zjnyVAsYbvjLVuTMMMnX0X-wuJeCKCC5zxJdytPg/s400/yayabag.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622671409515922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This kicked off my impromptu summer shopping: </div><div style="text-align: center;">At 10.00am I found this lovely summer tote at </div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoppesville, Greenhills (only P1000), </div><div style="text-align: center;">it is made from woven yarn. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I ended up giving it to Amanda's yaya who loved it!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj5uCt9TAlBHYyjJxz8wezTPnGNnawkFzu0-R_JS2JGBSgeFdEMIuD6TiJy1SyllqgQk06x8LW3nruO6FJHS7VJip5rJbTCucnJSewiMuO1qgIF2z-Zleq09kq_GeSYrkCGxkvWOeEog/s1600-h/jason+mraz.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj5uCt9TAlBHYyjJxz8wezTPnGNnawkFzu0-R_JS2JGBSgeFdEMIuD6TiJy1SyllqgQk06x8LW3nruO6FJHS7VJip5rJbTCucnJSewiMuO1qgIF2z-Zleq09kq_GeSYrkCGxkvWOeEog/s400/jason+mraz.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622652685348322" /></a>At Podium, I finally got a Jason Mraz CD. (We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things)</div><div>I remember a summer at Pagudpud sipping Kapuluan Martinis, watching the sun set over the Ilocos Norte Mountains.</div><div>I keep playing Jason Mraz over and over. <div>I have a crush on the track 'Live High'. </div><div>And my kids keep repeating the track 'Butterfly' over and over - they've choreographed a dance for that track.</div><div>This album is definitely a feel good one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmUl-YDPG4kuriJ0mqN-UEL7AbJRSFSzYZP841_dckyY-A1yTjuhMi790NKXQtqA_wm6vHyXzRXGfTMhzNXcQQsxCaaE9LIEKdSGz35fSp3dfRJfHPBDvyZtn_hNCshuzX6BRFThB-d4/s1600-h/shades.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmUl-YDPG4kuriJ0mqN-UEL7AbJRSFSzYZP841_dckyY-A1yTjuhMi790NKXQtqA_wm6vHyXzRXGfTMhzNXcQQsxCaaE9LIEKdSGz35fSp3dfRJfHPBDvyZtn_hNCshuzX6BRFThB-d4/s400/shades.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622638702419362" /></a>The very next day, I bought two pairs of shades last week from the ever gracious ladies at George Optical, Shoppesville Greenhills.</div><div>I took so long to choose! It wasn't easy... So I did the 'high-low' thing - I bought a pair of </div><div>Ray Ban Wayferers, in faux turtoise shell.</div><div>And a pair of aviators by Sprinto. I can take a few of these Sprintos to the beach and wouldn't kick myself if I lost a pair.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHd3mx_V8ZYey-bmbSaU6PWGwwSCYOe9__3GhvgbRt1JyjnOb_p8U93bpY-mKgy2v0g18X0vev-6tn2rIc7FhbAgnyOVeJZJYv-IhGSnkadC87dNQZAalVDGP1vNkUH-Vd6mHfrqBhFk/s1600-h/WO+DRESS+GARDEN1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHd3mx_V8ZYey-bmbSaU6PWGwwSCYOe9__3GhvgbRt1JyjnOb_p8U93bpY-mKgy2v0g18X0vev-6tn2rIc7FhbAgnyOVeJZJYv-IhGSnkadC87dNQZAalVDGP1vNkUH-Vd6mHfrqBhFk/s400/WO+DRESS+GARDEN1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441622623541141906" /></a>Here is my lovely linen White Orchid Dress. </div><div>I shot it before shipping to Andrea Bell in Springfield, Massachusetts. </div><div>This piece made it to the maiden issue of <a href="http://lovesewing.com/magazine/january23.html">Love Sewing Magazine.</a> Woohoo!</div></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-76202737730876008642010-02-23T00:48:00.000-08:002010-02-23T01:45:54.307-08:00MAD ABOUT THE BETTY DRAPER LOOK<div><div>Ever since my gal pal handed me a copy of Vanity Fair with the article of Mad Men in it - </div><div>I was hooked (yes I admit I am a late bloomer!)</div><div>I had my husband buy Season 1, 2 and 3 of Mad Men. </div><div>Okay, okay, at first I kept watching the show thanks to hottie and dapper Don Draper.</div><div>But the fashion was another thing I fell in love with. I love that everybody seemed to be dressed in 1962 - after all the show is about the New York advertising scene in the 1960's.</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwXijAqpZzCO9gqVmKLLXFFR_8AghxU8MmqA1GVjxo68ZkkfApPVINcKqaTk16qiXdrVrZolvy0DvBa59wpxBwifXes45NdEkjQckTy4kohT5NS7byVhJYsnqPqlgXCNCjtiApyvQ98/s1600-h/betty_draper_window_shops.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwXijAqpZzCO9gqVmKLLXFFR_8AghxU8MmqA1GVjxo68ZkkfApPVINcKqaTk16qiXdrVrZolvy0DvBa59wpxBwifXes45NdEkjQckTy4kohT5NS7byVhJYsnqPqlgXCNCjtiApyvQ98/s400/betty_draper_window_shops.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441371023329978946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's Betty at a store window. Photo courtesy of AMC's <a href="http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/cast/">official website.</a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rKz1Y83JpRz-Q-UyBX7z-1klXJGxVAvENIhOG0hzZh6ezUQMFrWJnNSZYVXbgUN61bhIT58HmxZFEalZAZRQizzOxAZOndyAU9dKsqxle985RiM5zapGShyphenhyphenWf4Ffn_BYOdSRMvHexWk/s1600-h/IMG_1935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rKz1Y83JpRz-Q-UyBX7z-1klXJGxVAvENIhOG0hzZh6ezUQMFrWJnNSZYVXbgUN61bhIT58HmxZFEalZAZRQizzOxAZOndyAU9dKsqxle985RiM5zapGShyphenhyphenWf4Ffn_BYOdSRMvHexWk/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441359979473647746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my version if Season 2's necklaces. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">My version is made from keishi coin pearls in grey.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">More of this fab piece in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39915462">here.</a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCjP4RTV2Kon5dVcNVzOtDFRmInZFZD3drjOy8QiKznxrHMz-6tQ5C4ERiltD_3XuXCyzWuinqOdc-CarL9h4FHGEuhRZ-BnXBB2CquNY051cmvyN9VT4rQYtSZbvTjcGK-ErTS5eypk/s1600-h/IMG_1903.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCjP4RTV2Kon5dVcNVzOtDFRmInZFZD3drjOy8QiKznxrHMz-6tQ5C4ERiltD_3XuXCyzWuinqOdc-CarL9h4FHGEuhRZ-BnXBB2CquNY051cmvyN9VT4rQYtSZbvTjcGK-ErTS5eypk/s400/IMG_1903.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441359577350460562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Have you noticed Betty Draper's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39680877">coin pearl earrings?</a> </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I have seen it quite often in Season 1 and 2.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlr9-Lj7lwtrtsvU7K2zNhIFBPrq22xbIW7P9uDwlMYsD4RmOu48-ptTmLY9VO_iI7qJC1CO9V53lBOirOmSbecRve8GdW3gXIlW1rNUJ7cBHxx1bpLLRybrSms1Bx30H7ltyTo3yZ7A/s1600-h/IMG_1993.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlr9-Lj7lwtrtsvU7K2zNhIFBPrq22xbIW7P9uDwlMYsD4RmOu48-ptTmLY9VO_iI7qJC1CO9V53lBOirOmSbecRve8GdW3gXIlW1rNUJ7cBHxx1bpLLRybrSms1Bx30H7ltyTo3yZ7A/s400/IMG_1993.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441359567999052146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a dress I designed with Betty in mind. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It just sold last night at Bonne Bouche Greenbelt 5!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-6355161311654077832010-02-21T07:30:00.000-08:002010-02-21T07:47:51.711-08:00HOW TO MEASURE : AN EASY MEASUREMENT GUIDE<div style="text-align: justify;">After years of accepting orders for customized pieces from clients overseas -one most popular question stands out: <i>How do you take my measurements?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">I have decided to create an east how-to guide that is easy to follow. So ladies - here it is! Your east to follow <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5417520&id=185089276216">measurement guide.</a></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OcpWPDq_ZoPnX71u555chi6YNu8O7YYlDG187D5fWMus3eRPUw5n8-tROU4s-AvwgMQTbY0nGaabTz42DQU5v9pYWiArT_hABBUw9sSSubBLWHnNqr67vfoHCO93PQCuFGQ0eUOr-Oo/s1600-h/IMG_2121.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OcpWPDq_ZoPnX71u555chi6YNu8O7YYlDG187D5fWMus3eRPUw5n8-tROU4s-AvwgMQTbY0nGaabTz42DQU5v9pYWiArT_hABBUw9sSSubBLWHnNqr67vfoHCO93PQCuFGQ0eUOr-Oo/s400/IMG_2121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440722654322527554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">It's easier than you think! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">You must follow this to the T though if you want to get great results.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0JLMwM9jQsTAOYI1IvEEx-IBheL5J1bI0sAG8v7QiJPcKxwB9iQobycntczkmgWt2FlVW3aLhPD7Pqnmr9TbrBf-LqzxwMWgy9i_oFQZ5SVBl4fblmr_Mosx8y1FAjNmaPdZJQmoyHw/s1600-h/IMG_2184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0JLMwM9jQsTAOYI1IvEEx-IBheL5J1bI0sAG8v7QiJPcKxwB9iQobycntczkmgWt2FlVW3aLhPD7Pqnmr9TbrBf-LqzxwMWgy9i_oFQZ5SVBl4fblmr_Mosx8y1FAjNmaPdZJQmoyHw/s400/IMG_2184.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440721239830121234" /></a><div><br /></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-73291047787596265502010-02-14T08:12:00.001-08:002010-02-14T17:20:29.895-08:00CIARA SOTTO'S WEDDING GOWN<div style="text-align: center;">I am simply crushing on Ciara Sotto's exquisite corsette wedding gown </div><div style="text-align: center;">by the popular multi-tasking young designer - Mich Dulce. </div><div style="text-align: center;">There is nothing ordinary about this gown-what a fresh take!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I must say Ciara looked picture perfect on her big day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photos courtesy of Mango Red Photography</span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3yQbT8vG_80K3hLP19hnIkPWDKwxR4b70j29dV7h8F9FXJXGMm7r5hbxCwNMWUvQ96jON-bPvzWWA72WlAxO747XVz9Wy_bEk56GzOhMlmTFBp0xp3PQriyjo6zOsacxGmspDBnIEQ/s1600-h/ciara.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d3yQbT8vG_80K3hLP19hnIkPWDKwxR4b70j29dV7h8F9FXJXGMm7r5hbxCwNMWUvQ96jON-bPvzWWA72WlAxO747XVz9Wy_bEk56GzOhMlmTFBp0xp3PQriyjo6zOsacxGmspDBnIEQ/s400/ciara.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438133535925356834" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The handsome couple: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ciara Sotto and longtime beau Joe Oconer wed January 17, 2010.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeSkiVYgRt5xcJfWvQ0RTk4mZw9hWUQRJpkL3KUyuIkHut3D6By1a8SU4QqyOPpapwL_AUuVxmfSUADcDdrtPR6S7QwDCPnKNeKG6JJwiig2A1y2X6l4qXpbGchi81IX0bm_yVyXsYgc/s1600-h/couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeSkiVYgRt5xcJfWvQ0RTk4mZw9hWUQRJpkL3KUyuIkHut3D6By1a8SU4QqyOPpapwL_AUuVxmfSUADcDdrtPR6S7QwDCPnKNeKG6JJwiig2A1y2X6l4qXpbGchi81IX0bm_yVyXsYgc/s400/couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438133233706892530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And here it Ciara's fab wedding gown designer - the multi talented Mich Dulce. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I lurve the fascinators Mich!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Photo courtesy of Mich Dulce)</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJvqHz9ynWRv_aovg_g4AkjQ1nw0cfaRgfPaZNzoXMzZBSBZlcjHOM3bKpqJxqEYW6VJ28c6fIX1tqcCsGnKXoztwJq5_847uEma4MTHpnwcBI69aJTlax9OZDNarapk1ds-rg3WmAsA/s1600-h/photo+mithc+dulce.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJvqHz9ynWRv_aovg_g4AkjQ1nw0cfaRgfPaZNzoXMzZBSBZlcjHOM3bKpqJxqEYW6VJ28c6fIX1tqcCsGnKXoztwJq5_847uEma4MTHpnwcBI69aJTlax9OZDNarapk1ds-rg3WmAsA/s400/photo+mithc+dulce.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438132855263315938" /></a><br /></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-118960094228919722010-02-14T05:42:00.001-08:002010-02-14T06:15:36.340-08:00RICA PERALEJO'S WEDDING DRESS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_kEbdgislX-FGlJMG7ml8dGT6YQuGHdw4VwjXZpVPOndFQhIBdyL4H3s4Zp-xHFFuLErIsATyhKyIQf846y9_eAGZhEf_H_f4cKYbrEhDGivJVRaGIuAmDoeyarz0SQnwxR35cf1a30/s1600-h/arcy+gayatin.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="text-align: center;text-decoration: underline; ">Don't we just love beautifully intimate weddings? </div><div style="text-align: center;text-decoration: underline; ">Most especially when the bride is a lovely young celebrity?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bTEQSP8o0MeJSMEIcC5r4yCBkIRP2rhhAfw8DQOs2BLxgxvb7NCdtft7TCVvOZpxR7MDjlQQi6UabC4AlM8UpxqumXI7aVQlM-NcSsik7GUOeJ-aqJVH4DGzCSEqng9_F2fp5y3OB8U/s1600-h/wind.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bTEQSP8o0MeJSMEIcC5r4yCBkIRP2rhhAfw8DQOs2BLxgxvb7NCdtft7TCVvOZpxR7MDjlQQi6UabC4AlM8UpxqumXI7aVQlM-NcSsik7GUOeJ-aqJVH4DGzCSEqng9_F2fp5y3OB8U/s400/wind.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438096915176879042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Actress and much loved TV host Rica Peralejo marries </div><div style="text-align: center;">brilliant young pastor Joe Bonifacio in an intimate beach wedding, January 29, 2010.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoukPSOzwadfQ5GPFk6S9-joypny87uk_3cxlTtYxlWtRK9GbKmeLyO8CWD1IWJYrGCk5y2XX4Vy6HNyBPUiRficoICt_rClgYU7CBGmpYByFZVyoFjG2IKB2dG4Wv2d7akhh5toxOjBA/s1600-h/sunset.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoukPSOzwadfQ5GPFk6S9-joypny87uk_3cxlTtYxlWtRK9GbKmeLyO8CWD1IWJYrGCk5y2XX4Vy6HNyBPUiRficoICt_rClgYU7CBGmpYByFZVyoFjG2IKB2dG4Wv2d7akhh5toxOjBA/s400/sunset.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438096040786138386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Recently so many bride's inquiring for a customized wedding dress have brought up how </div><div style="text-align: center;">Rica Peralejo's wedding dress was so unique. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was created by popular wedding gown designer</div><div style="text-align: center;">my good pal Rajo Laurel - and he calls this his spider cobweb dress.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHTFZuWTSI32H6nyT5t1uWwP0FyBlrayScbMcWRz5X2zUuMr_pfiuaVRiKySP-vd0V4o_nW4xSHnOs_7JTdW3hRKSjuS-x6zldGhaKpA44FyNWeYQwOCMhrJUyqHHingLdillgT_JGQE/s1600-h/spider+dress.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHTFZuWTSI32H6nyT5t1uWwP0FyBlrayScbMcWRz5X2zUuMr_pfiuaVRiKySP-vd0V4o_nW4xSHnOs_7JTdW3hRKSjuS-x6zldGhaKpA44FyNWeYQwOCMhrJUyqHHingLdillgT_JGQE/s400/spider+dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438094574542216770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I think Rica got away with this incredibly modern style. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">She's so pretty that she could pull off absolutely anything! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photos courtesy of Lito Sy.</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i><br /></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span><i><br /></i><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-24129124253815341542010-02-11T19:54:00.000-08:002010-02-16T00:07:16.411-08:00BRIDE WINS WEDDING GOWN AT CHARITY AUCTIONLate last year after the devastating Typhoon Ondoy shook our nation, I decided to hook up with internet maven Anton Sheker who ran a charity auction to help the victims of this terrible calamity. We held a charity auction at his site <a href="http://www.weddings.ph/gown-designers/cathedral-series-by-michi-calica-charity-auction-2/">www.weddings.ph</a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4e4Cu_fhg8WCdTLpZUJWJKU3NdxRVIEb7DeneyTajkT3gTmMcDqPjXjWeOseJysmXc9USYJzRStDyYtYNNKIptILjNtAFeL7xdPajXbIch5hPYaVkkkp6yRhrua-pc5Z6eUj4tvqd4w/s1600-h/ricapestano+wo+bouquet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4e4Cu_fhg8WCdTLpZUJWJKU3NdxRVIEb7DeneyTajkT3gTmMcDqPjXjWeOseJysmXc9USYJzRStDyYtYNNKIptILjNtAFeL7xdPajXbIch5hPYaVkkkp6yRhrua-pc5Z6eUj4tvqd4w/s400/ricapestano+wo+bouquet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437200592904389522" /></a><div>Bride-to-be Rica Pestano won a stylish couture wedding dress while helping Typhoon Ondoy victims. What a chic way to purchase a wedding dress - with style and conscience. Here is Rica right after we fitted the muslin (or lining) of her dream wedding dress! She is holding one of my <a href="http://www.michicalica.com/flowers.php">couture bouquets</a> here.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0WKWc1EWKdZGFNaumCBw_-sU0wU5oXTM2jBqUoS1vg2U9v0XM2jsmQ00e7-2g3QSc4BLxLa_9qdwRosQYzB4pPll-BRxrz1OOILzfQkQn78e0bSTkzm95u8GDdCNJ11RwX3EhD4X7qI/s1600-h/sketch.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0WKWc1EWKdZGFNaumCBw_-sU0wU5oXTM2jBqUoS1vg2U9v0XM2jsmQ00e7-2g3QSc4BLxLa_9qdwRosQYzB4pPll-BRxrz1OOILzfQkQn78e0bSTkzm95u8GDdCNJ11RwX3EhD4X7qI/s400/sketch.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437200584037218722" /></a>Here is the her one-of-a kind wedding gown I designed for her. It was inspired by my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29952341">Rambling Rose Wedding Dress</a> which retails at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy.com</a> for USD2,500. Do-gooder Rica won the auction at a cool USD650! (PhP30,000). I guess that's what one gets when she helps people in need. Congratulations Rica and best wishes on your August 2010 wedding.</div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-19459318823031254312010-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:002010-02-11T16:55:00.936-08:00PRE-VALENTINE FLOWER DELIVERY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD2Fsw8NbqC3mzyuuVDILYCtp3lksNtQtTAmGvI3X6zSlTJGrPWVlg4jqxWKQ5COHQKgD7NEOi0j7Oy7ZqDCT9qyhy4tBaHDhFZgFyqoA3NQh3jYem8XHzGnvw9Jg-Q6CZaXHeNVlnMA/s1600-h/vaflowersinchiller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD2Fsw8NbqC3mzyuuVDILYCtp3lksNtQtTAmGvI3X6zSlTJGrPWVlg4jqxWKQ5COHQKgD7NEOi0j7Oy7ZqDCT9qyhy4tBaHDhFZgFyqoA3NQh3jYem8XHzGnvw9Jg-Q6CZaXHeNVlnMA/s400/vaflowersinchiller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437150415632713810" /></a>You may know by now that I have a flower shoppe called Michi Calica Fresh Flowers. It started as a flower business that designed bridal bouquets for my bride-to-be clients.<div>I must admit I love seeing our giant flower chiller al lit up with lot and lots of beautiful flowers for delivery. Business is good when I see this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjhqt_-eY4q61ypFdmIr6gb8RZVmE2mXBbhvaP6YU42CYFp-AUs2e3wdEtjlM4civa_wGcDUB_vARAaiqh25HoXXf32MwWvnBXaGoaz0_aV8ycZEy55LwmHYMvx9g7KvWkZSwSTaZGAc/s1600-h/clearin+a+row.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjhqt_-eY4q61ypFdmIr6gb8RZVmE2mXBbhvaP6YU42CYFp-AUs2e3wdEtjlM4civa_wGcDUB_vARAaiqh25HoXXf32MwWvnBXaGoaz0_aV8ycZEy55LwmHYMvx9g7KvWkZSwSTaZGAc/s400/clearin+a+row.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437150401909208114" /></a>Some of the flowers, all in vases, ready to go. This year, roses were not the only flowers of choice - liliums, hydrangeas, and even fruit baskets were in demand. Customers opted to send flowers on February 12 and 13 for some reason. Today is the last day you can still place your last minute order at our <a href="http://www.flowersexpress.com.ph/products.aspx?typeid=24">online store!</a> We would love to hear from you.</div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-84011986261382710792010-02-10T16:13:00.000-08:002010-02-10T16:53:54.457-08:00PROM SEASON: THE IDEAL PROM DRESS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrXp1lKvWHzLsusZis_DWo2yTDFmMcAzL_gdD02liHS-H4FE5sk_rObEF1oKUT8Vzs3D_BlwUADsqsWTGvnLmaSJdCGIvfTtGXdHZG2sy9gt-4GBQL6BAo6lssWP9cvPseg4hKL8EqQ0/s1600-h/bolero+wi+dress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrXp1lKvWHzLsusZis_DWo2yTDFmMcAzL_gdD02liHS-H4FE5sk_rObEF1oKUT8Vzs3D_BlwUADsqsWTGvnLmaSJdCGIvfTtGXdHZG2sy9gt-4GBQL6BAo6lssWP9cvPseg4hKL8EqQ0/s400/bolero+wi+dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436780921930884754" /></a>Toccata's Camille bolero in red matte satin. The jeweled belt brightened the ensemble.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnseivepcRPYWpOgmC9z6WWAnpVN0mT8dB6Foq-KD_l04fVrHLd0WM1yH2hoXkT2pxQadg1vKkmxrIFnvJLq1kGiyX19kCPTX1UWWYrh9b6011_mYI9WB6jvPt3mxsSpZKUxFzQrKLbU/s1600-h/whole+dress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnseivepcRPYWpOgmC9z6WWAnpVN0mT8dB6Foq-KD_l04fVrHLd0WM1yH2hoXkT2pxQadg1vKkmxrIFnvJLq1kGiyX19kCPTX1UWWYrh9b6011_mYI9WB6jvPt3mxsSpZKUxFzQrKLbU/s400/whole+dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436780919921747170" /></a><br />Preview Magazine's online component - stylebible.ph asked me to talk about the ideal prom dress. <div><br /><div><a href="http://www.stylebible.ph/gallery.php?id=1436&p=6"></a>I had to tell them about this very sophisticated Junior from who came to see me at my atelier. She was a Junior from a very exclusive all-girl school - she was well mannered, and incredibly stylish. She replied in clipped tones like: "of course". "thank you". "wonderful." SHe reminded me of Betty Draper from my favorite TV series <i>Mad Men</i>. When I was in third year in high school, I never had a classmate that sophisticated. I envy these kids nowadays. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of all I loved that her folks gave her a free hand in choosing a couture prom dress. Her dad (who was about my age) sat in the waiting room patiently. I peeped my head out and said: <i>Sir? Would you like to join us? </i>Her dad said: <i>No, no, I'l l wait out here, so if the dress doesn't turn out well I wont be the one to blame.</i></div><div>So here is how it turned out folks! Here is the <a href="http://www.stylebible.ph/gallery.php?id=1436&p=6">write-up</a><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-61148863767379753672010-02-04T14:52:00.000-08:002010-02-04T15:17:24.707-08:00VALENTINE FLOWERS ARE SO CHIC!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKXzLNiQ5mLyPGEFvntEgHdxUHVNtPOi89Low9O0Bznezq-pF0XMYKP65sUmAKCBWNj1xsHfu8bfIWmd0sBVEqTM2-UwzPqhTfWF26GCwMRz3Nxf_SM1TFSfd2zx-uNtl3KJpk0K3fSw/s1600-h/adoration.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKXzLNiQ5mLyPGEFvntEgHdxUHVNtPOi89Low9O0Bznezq-pF0XMYKP65sUmAKCBWNj1xsHfu8bfIWmd0sBVEqTM2-UwzPqhTfWF26GCwMRz3Nxf_SM1TFSfd2zx-uNtl3KJpk0K3fSw/s400/adoration.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434525596900104034" /></a>Valentine's Day is only nine days away! For this love season, we have incredibly chic and easy to order Couture Bouquets available at <a href="http://www.flowersexpress.com.ph/product.aspx?pid=352">Michi Calica Fresh Flowers. </a><div>This year all our farm fresh roses are delivered in am elegantly tall glass vase. I was inspired by the story famed floral designer Michael George told about his florist dad, George Christ Vasillopus. </div><div>Michael George said in the book<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Elegant-Flowers-Michael-George/dp/1558708065"> Simply Elegant Flowers</a> (North Lite Books), how n the 1930's his father began the trend of delivering flowers in now collectible <i><a href="http://billyblueeye.com/haeger-pottery/">Haeger and Roseville</a></i> vases.</div><div>We are very concerned about the environment, therefore we have decided to stop using a lot of paper for this big day. </div><div><br /></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-71427959090672147812010-01-29T02:58:00.000-08:002010-01-29T03:08:11.776-08:00The Semi-Mermaid Gown for a Svelte Bride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTG2_geAp9_HDquSgd5kq-xFIeXQzMxteBRnHl_Zy0IBmSgjLD5nndb5JWoo4J5ZItF7D8iR-gfolPwwdABInEJ1SM_XeGLa_ehHRcLNlfYVshIcxmtUhRctX-RwX8NWlYSzp1-VkD0Y/s1600-h/couple.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTG2_geAp9_HDquSgd5kq-xFIeXQzMxteBRnHl_Zy0IBmSgjLD5nndb5JWoo4J5ZItF7D8iR-gfolPwwdABInEJ1SM_XeGLa_ehHRcLNlfYVshIcxmtUhRctX-RwX8NWlYSzp1-VkD0Y/s400/couple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432116888598769698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoOt15UEPrdDefbUUd8v-7UvFiJur5sAhnI-Vn9Z5lF_g2XWz1lM5gpTOwvXo5Kd1R_kIO_6vkbphiV42zrOlEhyphenhyphentQoH6C5QyBgr7a_KqSiiTLWIxnOFb9b1Ok1__klmviBm_yKc65A0/s1600-h/chelo+Manlagnit+back.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoOt15UEPrdDefbUUd8v-7UvFiJur5sAhnI-Vn9Z5lF_g2XWz1lM5gpTOwvXo5Kd1R_kIO_6vkbphiV42zrOlEhyphenhyphentQoH6C5QyBgr7a_KqSiiTLWIxnOFb9b1Ok1__klmviBm_yKc65A0/s400/chelo+Manlagnit+back.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432116879663791906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJGf3eglA1NqKQlwCqVkPRQqE_NZTASFX1PlF8bHVIVuqPsO9pbXBOrxl-CzunKUmMe6evkwZAomjAzYl9DZBDcwMlYAtVX31pJgxw1IXEPoafrx_zMdZevJ94WhMBcReb2_aYdk_Q94/s1600-h/marina+dress.jpg"><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><img style="text-align: justify;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJGf3eglA1NqKQlwCqVkPRQqE_NZTASFX1PlF8bHVIVuqPsO9pbXBOrxl-CzunKUmMe6evkwZAomjAzYl9DZBDcwMlYAtVX31pJgxw1IXEPoafrx_zMdZevJ94WhMBcReb2_aYdk_Q94/s400/marina+dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432115215859672578" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaCSwF3AQiivg9lozGobMoFBrO8Xfo7QLArKNrQpxt3p-t4nFusi5BIsudwU8Ps88g6CCLfw6PHAbwU1asOxsumFZ9nF4OaW64BGipSTiwTiqSUybUO_h7S_kizfSf_kVfSxUzPXGoho/s1600-h/marina+dress.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><blockquote></blockquote></span></span></span></a></div><blockquote><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaCSwF3AQiivg9lozGobMoFBrO8Xfo7QLArKNrQpxt3p-t4nFusi5BIsudwU8Ps88g6CCLfw6PHAbwU1asOxsumFZ9nF4OaW64BGipSTiwTiqSUybUO_h7S_kizfSf_kVfSxUzPXGoho/s1600-h/marina+dress.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The minute I sat with Asian Development Bank executive, Chelo Malagnit, one thing was certain - she wanted a body conscious wedding dress silhouette. I immediately asked her to fit the Marina Wedding Dress from my collection. She looked stunning in this cut since she had a petite, fit figure due to hours of swimming work outs.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><blockquote></blockquote></span></span></span></a></div><div><div><div></div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">We then personalized her dress with touches she wanted: alencon lace appliqies, lightly beaded on the neckline - and she requested everything in cool ivory. Check out how stunning Chelo was on her wedding day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Photos courtesy of Ariel Javelosa</i></span></div></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-52177947808519194122010-01-26T14:29:00.000-08:002010-02-13T05:09:37.655-08:00Sweet Bride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopv_c4QXbXnhhSPy6dtlA4DSlrrXDRCeEtC15rcvKF2MVj53AR_YIcRIWg3O2QT2s_NuFJ1hz-3o-wD31rOvGBpIL29I4Vx0LlpWXku5Ug7xbWumoCY0pgAh3uLvvxOBpZWkQPs905bE/s1600-h/couple+gown.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopv_c4QXbXnhhSPy6dtlA4DSlrrXDRCeEtC15rcvKF2MVj53AR_YIcRIWg3O2QT2s_NuFJ1hz-3o-wD31rOvGBpIL29I4Vx0LlpWXku5Ug7xbWumoCY0pgAh3uLvvxOBpZWkQPs905bE/s400/couple+gown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432113454463221106" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6W9Yo-S0l5kgux9P6QUy2safkRA8HgJIP0mXT4pb40W4_0iObBFvRWR4V9YSmVgmyCVdxmcuvA2flOwlEqGoV2u4wprvL0y3rFDoDcwWaBLKsxxYewi59nYrXoVD0GK7UmSTph3XBtM/s1600-h/karen+wi+bodyforn.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6W9Yo-S0l5kgux9P6QUy2safkRA8HgJIP0mXT4pb40W4_0iObBFvRWR4V9YSmVgmyCVdxmcuvA2flOwlEqGoV2u4wprvL0y3rFDoDcwWaBLKsxxYewi59nYrXoVD0GK7UmSTph3XBtM/s400/karen+wi+bodyforn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431182398057337058" /></a><div>Karen Gosingco was one of my sweetest brides this 2010. She had a very lady-like demeanor - and the style she chose for her wedding gown was equally feminine. I particularly loved the soft tiered skirt of this wedding dress. On the first few fittings, the bride expressed how she wanted a soft effect rather than the structured mikado silk I originally used. She was absolutely right! </div><div>After the re-do, we beaded the hemline on each layer. The organza skirt echoed the softness of her delicately ruffled standing collar. This bride knew what she wanted.</div><div><div>All throughout the months of work on her gown, Karen was always cool as a cucumber. She would sit quietly waiting for her turn with her signature sweet smile. My army of aestheticians particularyly loved having Karen at the atelier. She was always soft spoken, but straight to the point. Here are her photos from her magical wedding day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photos by John Ong of Imagination</span></i></div></div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-21696493534130050112010-01-26T13:40:00.000-08:002010-01-26T14:04:36.202-08:00Lovely Clusters - Beautiful Handmade Items<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshSyPwRvyArOeEWQOuqP-EujwRGF3as_aMZ6W4TwWC9DW1OF1R39k0iu3gL7BB5hN1mcy9rmylTbYak4f3VYXg82-Fj9-j6W8OKJV-93YzXfumB_TScFoJ4AzSEfWYntdT49jyGqJTH8/s1600-h/toccata13.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshSyPwRvyArOeEWQOuqP-EujwRGF3as_aMZ6W4TwWC9DW1OF1R39k0iu3gL7BB5hN1mcy9rmylTbYak4f3VYXg82-Fj9-j6W8OKJV-93YzXfumB_TScFoJ4AzSEfWYntdT49jyGqJTH8/s320/toccata13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431172832512112050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFouNSnjpYugta-8ydyWUahLyA6Gepg3CoA8-PE-BB-b6G9hyzqPQBY2UIzHDxqYNgBDVjx_MiGJxCg_2OdgpGv64pFii0hARmLF-DyQ8xKLRcs49_XKsFLa6B5d3GSIebUCF4k1GhU4/s1600-h/designlovely13.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFouNSnjpYugta-8ydyWUahLyA6Gepg3CoA8-PE-BB-b6G9hyzqPQBY2UIzHDxqYNgBDVjx_MiGJxCg_2OdgpGv64pFii0hARmLF-DyQ8xKLRcs49_XKsFLa6B5d3GSIebUCF4k1GhU4/s320/designlovely13.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431169722489458866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgwO_o_1OX_2TRkkVHN94eaPCNXliMjnAPIZvh21qxLui0bzErsGlpiZHJfg2IIeAeps5yeCaNgwop5yxewkOvH4m8t9Z0JjXlQkUWz7aQiq85ZWFPTGmNd0Lm4CIhI59RlcPU8U-jAg/s1600-h/simplyhue2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgwO_o_1OX_2TRkkVHN94eaPCNXliMjnAPIZvh21qxLui0bzErsGlpiZHJfg2IIeAeps5yeCaNgwop5yxewkOvH4m8t9Z0JjXlQkUWz7aQiq85ZWFPTGmNd0Lm4CIhI59RlcPU8U-jAg/s320/simplyhue2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431169713423822242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjimkScckNUTTrzSGssTaLYtBSiNaLQDQMH7a-aoiLku0QdirYGOIabjZI0FERsFGOUqi6OHaSx5-sZtpUtOWjP3WJTSoTJGivWqnUa6y4DEOpTOmwIck-sz0zngcnOFbPNhPN3dV2Og/s1600-h/topbanner.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 54px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjimkScckNUTTrzSGssTaLYtBSiNaLQDQMH7a-aoiLku0QdirYGOIabjZI0FERsFGOUqi6OHaSx5-sZtpUtOWjP3WJTSoTJGivWqnUa6y4DEOpTOmwIck-sz0zngcnOFbPNhPN3dV2Og/s320/topbanner.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431168117971880994" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.lovelyclusters.com/shops.html">Lovely Clusters - Beautiful Handmade Items</a><div><br /></div><div>I am so pleased to be in the company of such talented artisans and creative minds at a beautiful site called Lovely</div><div>Clusters. Lovely Clusters has curated their favorite etsy stores into one incredibly designed main page. There were so many pieces I liked here, but I particularly purchased some handmade paper products at Designs Lovely since I have been into fine stationary since I was a little girl.</div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-80470284555934557762009-12-02T22:38:00.000-08:002009-12-08T00:02:50.285-08:00How to clean feathersI've got a few pieces with feather accents that are so lovely to look at. We store them in boxes to avoid the accumulation of dust and other undesirables. Feathers remain waterproof if they are attached to the bird. Now that these beautiful feathers adorn your bolero, extra care is needed to keep them looking fresh.<br /><br />Here's how to care for the feathers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30152937"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GqorZVe809kmx4-R8dwkpcUeqaA2oAbsnvoKW2dpC2pu-RzJ974sqYQQ3Xaw1u4LQ2BNWREHK6ISquL0F79x0L7aSS3dm4WMUVD2lnh5iykjkQcK4GfGFLAtPwlOHDNhl3GSEYbtAGQ/s400/angelique+wedding+bolero+with+feathers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410902870222414674" border="0"></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easiest is to blowdry the feathers.</span> The air from the blowdryer hopefully gets all the dust away in a couple of minutes.<br /><br />Those <span style="font-weight: bold;">newborn baby hairbrushes</span> are meant to brush baby's hair. Since newborns have hair as soft as feathers, this brush makes an excellent feather brush! Brush following the direction of the feathers so as to retain its shape.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sable paint brushes</span> are also excellent in brushing the feathers clean.<br /><br />Three easy ways to keep feathers clean. Remember to keep your feathered boleros safe from moisture, bright light, and dust.toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-51390837506710465022009-11-19T09:16:00.000-08:002009-11-23T06:23:18.900-08:00FIRST LUCKY BRIDE<span style="font-style:italic;">Dr. Katherine Duque's natural beauty and grace made her very memorable. Every fitting date with her was always a silky smooth experience. Photos by Oliver Soliva and Dr. Carlo Nasol</span><br /><br />Cat-eyed Katherine Duque was the first bride who received a stunning complementary Michi Calica Fresh Flowers bridal bouquet made of farm-fresh roses and ostrich feathers. She booked her Mignonne Lace wedding dress within the first hour if meeting me. She was incredibly stunning on her wedding day.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgwJuno-8O5pcqCEZn2_u6UhtB9kQ3mR68NJOzjJmtH4JIfjSLrr2Y_bCXJ93lnLeC9xmNhwGogxtYRARMaysqXrKoHD-ScFsWGSS_zbc5umBPJl5jOuSUxsJIQV3onfA2-BTgUYQ5SI/s1600/MCO_2967.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgwJuno-8O5pcqCEZn2_u6UhtB9kQ3mR68NJOzjJmtH4JIfjSLrr2Y_bCXJ93lnLeC9xmNhwGogxtYRARMaysqXrKoHD-ScFsWGSS_zbc5umBPJl5jOuSUxsJIQV3onfA2-BTgUYQ5SI/s400/MCO_2967.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405866818236044802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8tv2LJld9XTCKAyJkEe-yylHdd5CWXKCekH_-sMNs8GilXG8izJkFkEXJhYhUJabNu3viCy94mf8rV-NmjsCkdh9gdbtp5PMxgC3mRGT0PMEwha13StxQhz6MMgWIm_lPNk3CPPE87U/s1600/MCO_2977.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8tv2LJld9XTCKAyJkEe-yylHdd5CWXKCekH_-sMNs8GilXG8izJkFkEXJhYhUJabNu3viCy94mf8rV-NmjsCkdh9gdbtp5PMxgC3mRGT0PMEwha13StxQhz6MMgWIm_lPNk3CPPE87U/s400/MCO_2977.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405866672581033698" /></a>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-74608913543688580312009-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:002009-11-17T14:38:16.667-08:00Best home and office flowers that make your heart sing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsd4Dq0vRfZBQtO3_DIdPMmzXYQvbqNdaTR7lH8rEBrnAF5ljpin1uYkPL1zFycklzW9t_jz67F6il8XOE90lRsW4-I8DzUP4MpqLE1ZDFaNU0XAgJXD9igYUEm3wnrEqXOhl91Oupw6I/s1600/IMG_5856.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsd4Dq0vRfZBQtO3_DIdPMmzXYQvbqNdaTR7lH8rEBrnAF5ljpin1uYkPL1zFycklzW9t_jz67F6il8XOE90lRsW4-I8DzUP4MpqLE1ZDFaNU0XAgJXD9igYUEm3wnrEqXOhl91Oupw6I/s400/IMG_5856.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404865487795070978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYFEOUXqodxIk3qT_kGq4R6qbWDaoj6OkX2pZ1QnyynMzHRP2HyBgDs2-AgPB9dQjRtW81qasUdrpnfJAvWkRjdNPtMfBqc7A1vZVTc8tMK3XdY1e7KxNuBP-ICFCWbdIbZgBAFxXjwg/s1600/IMG_5859.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYFEOUXqodxIk3qT_kGq4R6qbWDaoj6OkX2pZ1QnyynMzHRP2HyBgDs2-AgPB9dQjRtW81qasUdrpnfJAvWkRjdNPtMfBqc7A1vZVTc8tMK3XdY1e7KxNuBP-ICFCWbdIbZgBAFxXjwg/s400/IMG_5859.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404865304003984146" border="0" /></a>Don't these beauties simply make your heart sing? I put these statuesque Calla Lilies on my molave design table every time I meet a bride-to-be on first consult. It reminds me of how a bride looks on her wedding day - simply elegant and perfect!<br /><br />Mondays are great days to bring fresh flowers to the workplace. Experiment on which flower suites your office and stick with it for a while until you feel it's time for a change. Glance at them while you go about doing your memos or making your phone calls.<br /><br />Come Friday, make sure you've got your flowers for the home, setting the mood for a relaxing weekend with family. Choose different flowers than what you have at work and see what happens.<br /><br /><p style="border: dotted 3px #ffaa00; padding: 15px; margin: 0; text-align: justify; line-height: 16px; color: #191970; font-size: 14px">How about <span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:100%;" ><span class="UIStory_Message">brightening up your living and work space with our elegant Calla Lilies (Php 1800+) or graceful Yellow Orchids (Php 2000+) arrangement inspired by Georgia O Keeffe's paintings. Just give us a call at 09178979759 or email us at michicalicaflowers[at]gmail.com for your orders.</p><br /></span></span>Our home and office floral collection is also available online!toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-86352250315221917742009-11-13T03:06:00.000-08:002009-11-16T16:24:54.480-08:00Free Wedding Bouquet for You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9qqMZ7PrG5aM07EgCqAIH0VFX2lGRTyUT8Mt_Z2xvAIapc5fe8JUMHWHaPzeLo9aroALDV4x4X3GWtt1Z30OYuaXe99VcVxENBAxWw4IBF2ig_lXJWot2NMFqpZ12KA4wdUz84ToLHs/s1600-h/carnations+and+roses.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9qqMZ7PrG5aM07EgCqAIH0VFX2lGRTyUT8Mt_Z2xvAIapc5fe8JUMHWHaPzeLo9aroALDV4x4X3GWtt1Z30OYuaXe99VcVxENBAxWw4IBF2ig_lXJWot2NMFqpZ12KA4wdUz84ToLHs/s400/carnations+and+roses.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403544069772051554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">You won't believe this sweet offe brides-to-ber! Check out these beautiful wedding bouquets from Michi Calica Fresh Flowers-they can be yours for free when you book for a wedding gown on the spot, or within the first week of consultation.!</span><br /><br />Wouldn't you love to win my exquisite designer wedding bouquets by Michi Calica Fresh Flowers?<br />Brides who book the order of their wedding dress on the first day of their consult with us automatically get a free rose bouquet on their wedding day! A bridal rose bouquet retails for 5,5ooPhP.<br />If you prefer a bouquet of tulips, stargazers or of another variety than roses, all you have to do is add 1000PhP to upgrade your rose bouquet. This offer is only good for brides getting married within Metro Manila, Philippines. What are you waiting for?<br /><br />WIN A FREE BOUQUET Q&A<br /><p>Q: What is the duration of the promotion?:<br />A: Promotion will start on November 15, 2009 and end on December 15, 2009</p> <p>Q: Who can join this Promotion?<br />A: Brides, grooms, anyone who avails of a Michi Calica wedding gown within the first week of consultation. This means booking the order with a 50% downpaymant.<br /></p> <p>Q: How do I avail of this free bridal bouquet?<br />A: After booking for a customized gown within the first week of consultation with Michi Calica Bridal, the purchaser is entitled to a designer bouquet.<br /></p> <p>Q:What is the duration for the free wedding bouquet?<br />A: If the purchaser books the wedding gown between November 15 to December 15, 2009 the purchaser will receive her wedding bouquet on her wedding day. THis is for brides getting married in Metro Manila only.<br /></p>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-69274915730609556242009-11-10T05:15:00.000-08:002009-11-10T05:33:08.060-08:00Beautiful Bridal Jewelry that Won't Break the Bank<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8f6XWI9HHUVPabdKpkrkp_Jn64NxSO5G66dinmPonq7QzhJFB4Sfb4cOdcqrXCniRr36RqAFomyiDKqZrMXLzgFKkHbvThgRuQoyCxyV-iFfN4eeuFysZ5oNCU1oLt3E-R7KvfLdimQ/s1600-h/IMG_6590.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8f6XWI9HHUVPabdKpkrkp_Jn64NxSO5G66dinmPonq7QzhJFB4Sfb4cOdcqrXCniRr36RqAFomyiDKqZrMXLzgFKkHbvThgRuQoyCxyV-iFfN4eeuFysZ5oNCU1oLt3E-R7KvfLdimQ/s400/IMG_6590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402466852210379378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CSxy67FC_LBWwJye-vNbEbsEW5_TL_2qTvaoc8l1x9c7ggNIRyZrFYkY0oEPG0Zb98T3qMg4H8kH_6khDW4bizj_sPjZnpjbT_hRhU1IriDYbLRxUL3-JbMSvsjlg6qvL_UqlJYaSaM/s1600-h/IMG_6475.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CSxy67FC_LBWwJye-vNbEbsEW5_TL_2qTvaoc8l1x9c7ggNIRyZrFYkY0oEPG0Zb98T3qMg4H8kH_6khDW4bizj_sPjZnpjbT_hRhU1IriDYbLRxUL3-JbMSvsjlg6qvL_UqlJYaSaM/s400/IMG_6475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402466569833746482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk9ni0S21bP_7ogvt6o9S_Kve4rv-afISGuKp6N-3Tv34Wkpon66ErKpXqLwMI0WW7X0OyWo4EMD0beXUfu8MxlltMBXzAtjQUsl92-etN5SCls0IhOyj4dDDJpERdx1D02lB6KLBTFg/s1600-h/baroque+pearl+pendant3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk9ni0S21bP_7ogvt6o9S_Kve4rv-afISGuKp6N-3Tv34Wkpon66ErKpXqLwMI0WW7X0OyWo4EMD0beXUfu8MxlltMBXzAtjQUsl92-etN5SCls0IhOyj4dDDJpERdx1D02lB6KLBTFg/s400/baroque+pearl+pendant3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402466193118104002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1IQc9QLsQzJutSzm2bpGWvNHAfwVSjQwUn-8KKMHzqtg13lPDmysmUvmP_RMRymW9EjaAcPL6atjcNycZ4Pc7qJ_QrIw9LRj13BnDsnOqrvVXlOct2IZT1li9zMCC9FfnmnxRwzcEKg/s1600-h/IMG_4141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1IQc9QLsQzJutSzm2bpGWvNHAfwVSjQwUn-8KKMHzqtg13lPDmysmUvmP_RMRymW9EjaAcPL6atjcNycZ4Pc7qJ_QrIw9LRj13BnDsnOqrvVXlOct2IZT1li9zMCC9FfnmnxRwzcEKg/s400/IMG_4141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402465867643737442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Beautiful, AAA-quality freshwater pearls. I can't get over their roundness, size and luster. You will be amazed how reasonably priced they are.</span><br />I have been in love with South Sea pearls for a long time now, collecting them mostly from pearl giant Jewelmer since I was in my twenties. I have all sorts, and colors, mostly perfectly round or baroque pearls. Name it, and I have it, white, ivory, champagne gold, peacock green. I love wearing them because they alter my mood instantly!<br />Over the last year, I discovered a very special quality of natural pearls - they amazingly look like South Sea pearls in luster and size, but are actually freshwater pearls! Freshwater pearls are cultured pearls, they are genuine mind you. The variety I sell in my Toccata store is from Palawan, the Philippines, and I am immnesely proud of the quality I carry. Only a very trained eye will be able to distinguish the South Sea pearls from my freshwater pearls. You be the judge.toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-32291807721512451482009-11-05T07:26:00.000-08:002009-11-07T09:51:07.191-08:00Toccata's White Orchid Bolero Winner Revealed!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E4b9abygM1HYq_2HAukyLHtqi3ufT8jFPR0qhiIFdBtrfVpGDsTA8GAev4ZMJAWw6diLpFp4pWgTm1CqtY8_BPfhlUZRuCEOvU6GJp2YRpZZl94Fntira3OJZ4l3C1hUPnVJHszv6U0/s1600-h/WObolero+wi+gown.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E4b9abygM1HYq_2HAukyLHtqi3ufT8jFPR0qhiIFdBtrfVpGDsTA8GAev4ZMJAWw6diLpFp4pWgTm1CqtY8_BPfhlUZRuCEOvU6GJp2YRpZZl94Fntira3OJZ4l3C1hUPnVJHszv6U0/s400/WObolero+wi+gown.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400656488299877394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURUIZ5j6rf0zdhByTQ_VilNgfm8dRB5qqLqjIxkJZyQ7xB3FdmTtnmmGvrU2TWzzZaPokue4OgrRZN8PF0EJLbLOM2m9-nqizEJNCwYsxaI6KVzF6TOBtPSswGrQaRbhy7G3o5prmlkg/s1600-h/NEWwhiteorchid3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURUIZ5j6rf0zdhByTQ_VilNgfm8dRB5qqLqjIxkJZyQ7xB3FdmTtnmmGvrU2TWzzZaPokue4OgrRZN8PF0EJLbLOM2m9-nqizEJNCwYsxaI6KVzF6TOBtPSswGrQaRbhy7G3o5prmlkg/s400/NEWwhiteorchid3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400656339510811730" border="0" /></a><br />After a suspenseful five day wait, Rock 'n Roll Bride announced the winner of the Toccata White Orchid Bolero Contest! Ladies and gentlemen, here she is (and the drum roll pleaze...)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rachael Green of Los Angeles</span>, you are one lucky bride-to-be! Here's what she wrote:<br /><em><br /></em><blockquote><em>My wedding is 3 weeks away and THIS is the EXACT item I’ve been looking for to complete my Mad-Men-meets-Indie-bride look {pearls, lace, feathers, and touches of leopard print}. Stunning! WAY over budget already {or else I would have the White Orchid Delux wedding dress I’ve been eyeing for an eternity}, so I’d be forever grateful to be gifted such a mindblowingly spectacular piece, but rest assured, I WILL have either the angelique or the white orchid bolero on my wedding day!</em></blockquote><br />Check out Kat Williams post on the White Orchid Bolero winner <a href="http://www.rocknrollbride.com/2009/11/%E2%99%A5-toccata-white-orchid-bolero-winner-%E2%99%A5/">here</a>.<br /><br />Racheal if you're reading this, you will get your size zero White Orchid Bolero just in time for your Big Day on November 20! Congratulations!toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-59170298423558912292009-11-03T06:13:00.000-08:002009-11-04T01:52:15.646-08:00Quintessential Princess Bride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W8sJH5_1-D76A4wUvl9ScNJzXxAwNb_D34zx2Vlx_WPgpoh7Fu4GeEciGWbsSaDXoc6fZAnmItKNE98HUgxxze7WdRxibxXCeuuUU29FMyf9p4flkqiGiZx5fo58UBXgMO5MoehJYH8/s1600-h/15349_200454567563_524822563_4085915_3915378_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8W8sJH5_1-D76A4wUvl9ScNJzXxAwNb_D34zx2Vlx_WPgpoh7Fu4GeEciGWbsSaDXoc6fZAnmItKNE98HUgxxze7WdRxibxXCeuuUU29FMyf9p4flkqiGiZx5fo58UBXgMO5MoehJYH8/s400/15349_200454567563_524822563_4085915_3915378_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400078271541231618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DUl8SlxFZ1GTmj85jq24lGw4txzgBZ3XV_BSjLARSfO4MLt_tVrBK6u3qaO9KCC7N9eCY0sgJygwq320CFpyxTxmt9gp5O97BsOh6A3TXn9MMNKuosg3FCKtwhMf6OP26bdV5drS1zo/s1600-h/7017_186271697563_524822563_3921200_53367_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DUl8SlxFZ1GTmj85jq24lGw4txzgBZ3XV_BSjLARSfO4MLt_tVrBK6u3qaO9KCC7N9eCY0sgJygwq320CFpyxTxmt9gp5O97BsOh6A3TXn9MMNKuosg3FCKtwhMf6OP26bdV5drS1zo/s400/7017_186271697563_524822563_3921200_53367_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399880637873771842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Photos by Carlo Cecilio and Toetoe of Imagination Photography</span><br /><br />I always imagined that Dotty Gosingco-Cu was a Paris socialite incarnate. She is possibly my classiest bride of this year and here's proof: she looked stunning during her October 2009 wedding to the dashing Jerome Cu. She wore a French taffeta ball gown, sprinkled with French chantilly lace and Swarovski crystals. Her bustled skirt was blooming with handcrafted silk English roses.<br /><br />Since she is an interior designer, she knows a work of art takes time - a lot of time to blossom. She would show up for fittings promptly with her creamy skin glowing and an exuberant smile of a bride-to-be in love. She knew the process of couture could take six to even ten fittings before perfection unfolded. Unlike other panic stricken, drama obsessed brides-to-be, Dotty was always a picture of cool and cheer. Ah, love. Just like the movie the Princess Bride where true love conquers all.<br /><br />I wish there were more brides like Dotty, she is a rare one. Unknown to Dotty, she also helped a good number of my production staff who suffered during the Ondoy typhoon by picking up her gown a tad bit early. Dotty is indeed the timeless classy bride, beautiful inside and outside.toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-5943158370044557992009-11-03T05:15:00.000-08:002009-11-03T22:25:45.227-08:00Star Wars Theme Wedding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIQ83GhzAKkN-_C8pOWdfu0OXVPqJpm6nrPVrBX3oO6Z7sVQcmpH5jA3qk6NxqUXbh7dSrk8H0yVcYtL0WDr42kzzAdkpS-s3NS6-24lvLKTN3SdaZ5PHllk2zGzkzZBR098QELu4UfU/s1600-h/T&I_0189.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIQ83GhzAKkN-_C8pOWdfu0OXVPqJpm6nrPVrBX3oO6Z7sVQcmpH5jA3qk6NxqUXbh7dSrk8H0yVcYtL0WDr42kzzAdkpS-s3NS6-24lvLKTN3SdaZ5PHllk2zGzkzZBR098QELu4UfU/s400/T&I_0189.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399865927416440978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dp1ppx1T-ypT5DnT8ZAjJoVO1mlbh5xaIEuUjmzwiGLg87syAZkftvwH8yG3-miThDl4Q0TPty0B9tIOZDiwx5e3bVnovgjoVdTE6p3rXL9ML6gg6cTyLp9vpwd5pZYIQLg_BcPTXoY/s1600-h/T&I_0112.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dp1ppx1T-ypT5DnT8ZAjJoVO1mlbh5xaIEuUjmzwiGLg87syAZkftvwH8yG3-miThDl4Q0TPty0B9tIOZDiwx5e3bVnovgjoVdTE6p3rXL9ML6gg6cTyLp9vpwd5pZYIQLg_BcPTXoY/s400/T&I_0112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399865715336159394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2zD9IiKhmZdJwIFWZGS5uYbIFeZ4DjB1u69g2bTwccD9Ygndz0gIBzBnsj8JCr7fu6FzTUH2_BQ3xo_plskI7iiNjKPR4NyRsiy51sThUMt7TaeVvBJuSxkKXSUoQOKwFr3JlXBMpk8/s1600-h/T&I_0451.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2zD9IiKhmZdJwIFWZGS5uYbIFeZ4DjB1u69g2bTwccD9Ygndz0gIBzBnsj8JCr7fu6FzTUH2_BQ3xo_plskI7iiNjKPR4NyRsiy51sThUMt7TaeVvBJuSxkKXSUoQOKwFr3JlXBMpk8/s400/T&I_0451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399865521261284754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hands down I must say Issa and Tiger's Star Wars theme wedding is hard to beat! There was much buzz about this thematic wedding when popular TV host wed the dashing young doctor a few months back. I had the pleasure of creating Issa's iconic wedding dress including her Stormtrooper fiberglass breastplate.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Some behind he scenes trivia:<br /><br />When the first sample was done, I showed it to my husband and he commented: "I think it's too matte, it needs some more oomph" I then looked outside my house for inspiration, and lo and behold, saw my neighbor's shiny sapphire BMW. Incidentally this neighbor of mine is Jay-ar, the Prince of R&B, I asked his driver where he got the paint job, Jay-ar had a car painting shop down the road! Then I had the fiberglass breastplate painted with frosted ivory car paint to match the chiffon of her Star Wars wedding gown - the rest is history.<br /><br />Pat Dy shot these. Here's his link:<br /><br /><a href="http://patdyphotography.com/" target="\"_blank\"">http://patdyphotography.com/</a></span>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-29193012779283881952009-11-01T05:30:00.000-08:002009-11-10T05:15:02.569-08:00Loving My New Work-Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCjka8X73GawbLyCTDTLhI1TxncKiSv494V08v-2QwqVx_dHcA0YXTuksMxNLox6kfNMZ0m8TeluRmKie2_XMr9O4q7O55q15AExMDFUqK3jZuDOwJyeJbgRqmcwb9Ps1jCJ6WUvtzs/s1600-h/IMG_5512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbCjka8X73GawbLyCTDTLhI1TxncKiSv494V08v-2QwqVx_dHcA0YXTuksMxNLox6kfNMZ0m8TeluRmKie2_XMr9O4q7O55q15AExMDFUqK3jZuDOwJyeJbgRqmcwb9Ps1jCJ6WUvtzs/s400/IMG_5512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402461797920650914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-MdA5w6ACFlUZWv2B-uQHg_FaeITFnb6hD7vSCJEMLUwhVR6MWD-bweozwjAiJYN95HM238W0ISJAgk06s10dJMx2l51I1sBys_6rWNPSADYpZ1A_2Yu-g-1oa5MWp0YX63dnTnofRA/s1600-h/IMG_5508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-MdA5w6ACFlUZWv2B-uQHg_FaeITFnb6hD7vSCJEMLUwhVR6MWD-bweozwjAiJYN95HM238W0ISJAgk06s10dJMx2l51I1sBys_6rWNPSADYpZ1A_2Yu-g-1oa5MWp0YX63dnTnofRA/s400/IMG_5508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402461592120269170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOGVgZACN3u25kBcAQCL71jYGDaCmg4vHkFjFV2fN_qZg1J8BadSFy3Et7iJaP8MWWAeu-YhDd3PfjuEaLYPIMAKY5EnK5JcXk1wb-pRev7x666X0W8fyqY2oK_y23iGzLMjwMen8tnY/s1600-h/IMG_6156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOGVgZACN3u25kBcAQCL71jYGDaCmg4vHkFjFV2fN_qZg1J8BadSFy3Et7iJaP8MWWAeu-YhDd3PfjuEaLYPIMAKY5EnK5JcXk1wb-pRev7x666X0W8fyqY2oK_y23iGzLMjwMen8tnY/s400/IMG_6156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399127912115258546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">When all I have to do is design, I close my eyes for concepts, can come up with dreamily textured pieces.</span><br />I used to call myself a 'multi-tasking virtuoso': running a made-to-order bridal salon, a flower shop, a pret-a-porter boutique at Greenbelt 5 (Bonne Bouche), and for a year now my newest business baby is an booming online bridal boutique. By the way, I am also a family woman and a mother of three.<br /><br />Recent events have pushed me to move my working venue from a commercial boutique to my airy private home. It got sooo crazy, especially when my business became running the store. I started accepting ALL jobs from walk-ins. This was not a good decision. I had no idea where they were from and what they were like! I became a maniac of perfection as to how retail processes had to be done. I even hired a corporate 'efficiency expert' to help me out. Despite my passion for good service, unfortunate incidents with retail employees have urged me to say: enough is enough.<br /><br />I had a bright solution. bring back my operations home, which is right in front of my production area. No more transporting the clothes, no more alterations and requests lost in translation. No more hungry designers trying to sell their own goods to my clients.<br /><br /><span> Meanwhile, business wise, what gave me the courage to close the Oasis boutique is the fact that my www.toccata@etsy.com is gaining ground really fast!! It's mind-blowing. Within a year of doing e-commence I realized: this is so much more worth it and pleasurable! My brides now hail from Northern America, Canada, Australia, The UK, France, and recently Dublin. I will announce when my kick-ass www.michicalicaweddings.co</span>m goes live this month!<br /><div><br />I must write about the three month night class at AIM called the Maven's Secrets class which was an internet marketing class taught by famed blogger Anton Diaz. I think this class changed my life. It shifted my outlook from offline, brick and mortar business to ONLINE! I met so many successful e-commerce mavens, and business people succeeding online. My classmates rocked too!<br /><br />Back in my new home set up, I am relieved and liberated. It's as if I have a new lease in life. For local clients, I plan on only meeting my repeat clients and VIP's of years and years.<br />I'm still booked locally until December 2010 for about fifty weddings. I definitely will give it my all creatively and service-wise to these brides who have booked with me, because I made a commitment to them. I am also very big on commitment. As long as I have my signature on the dotted line, I will deliver. I will enjoy the process this time because I do not have to RUN a store. Hopefully after that I will be very scarce locally. The world is my market from now on.<br /><br />It is time to enjoy my craft once again, not only for commerce sake, but for why I entered wedding design in the first place - for my sheer love of creating beautiful things from scratch. This time around, I am no longer a 'multi-tasking virtuoso - ' I am a family woman who happens to be a 'fashion e-tailer'.</div>toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-7691506603056306782009-10-28T16:20:00.000-07:002009-10-29T01:15:52.305-07:00Win a White Orchid Bolero<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDrqiWvvhu7pOUmlcMub_sWhIIuLFeKJGS_tKCw-TKAByvMV4ZHxjSEuw_8Ap96rIfw-L0-Y-ecc81UKyI-4Saj9NmQDTzOmI0jj8bHLw7WdI_ngtDGdV7XieI8lRvG9K9PC69KjAm-U/s1600-h/NEWwhiteorchid1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDrqiWvvhu7pOUmlcMub_sWhIIuLFeKJGS_tKCw-TKAByvMV4ZHxjSEuw_8Ap96rIfw-L0-Y-ecc81UKyI-4Saj9NmQDTzOmI0jj8bHLw7WdI_ngtDGdV7XieI8lRvG9K9PC69KjAm-U/s400/NEWwhiteorchid1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397799016376275650" border="0" /></a><br />To all sassy brides-to-be -- Here is one uber exciting news for you!<br /><br />To celebrate my first box-office year at Etsy, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6407181">Toccata</a> is giving away this romantic bestseller at <a href="http://www.rocknrollbride.com">Rock n Roll Bride</a>, the hippest wedding blog in Europe. The contest begins right now, and ends on November 2 - my first year anniversary at Etsy.<br /><br />This piece is an ideal cover up for your fab wedding dress. It makes any wedding gown come alive with that long lasting impression.<br /><br />Good luck gals!toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4653240098559259094.post-52039186504817168702009-10-27T06:47:00.000-07:002009-10-27T07:08:30.469-07:00Rock 'n Roll Bride!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9I7XEduShrUxyxcbzJ62uGC4zK4QHV0GrYWEC0VTee-s-rZmRM534em0fHlMx6WfLgecRIAJ1WvBwv_1m5Q8JT6RSVFRW5lnUrwsQ_FlVR2TdHZx5XsCsshL0ZoXhopZXr-RIm6lSyo/s1600-h/Amanda3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9I7XEduShrUxyxcbzJ62uGC4zK4QHV0GrYWEC0VTee-s-rZmRM534em0fHlMx6WfLgecRIAJ1WvBwv_1m5Q8JT6RSVFRW5lnUrwsQ_FlVR2TdHZx5XsCsshL0ZoXhopZXr-RIm6lSyo/s400/Amanda3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397280262787394866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo credits go to Squaresville Studios</span><br />I am loving this super cool blog that features wonderfully unique weddings! Check out http://www.rocknrollbride.com/<br />Every indie bride will find valuable inspiration for their up-and-coming, one-of-a-kind weddings.toccatahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04398011326330550673noreply@blogger.com1