CHANGE OF ADDRESS

After a great time here in my old home -

I am excited to invite you to my new virtual address!

Check out my new and improved blog.

Here's a photo of my old bridal house and flower shop at The Oasis Manila.

I was here for a good six years.

Welcome to my new virtual address!

toccataweddings.com

Come join me at my new and exciting blog.

It's time to move on to bigger and better things...

On that note, here is my new boutique, Bonne Bouche at swanky Greenbelt 5, Makati.

I love this new boutique - everything about it smells top end.

(Telephone 02 729 0486)

HOT SUMMER SHOES FOR EVERYDAY

My second daughter Christiana kept reminding me that

I owed her a prize for making it to outstanding student this trimester.

All she wanted was for me to take her to Regina's at Shoppesville.

She wanted more stickers for her fluffy sticker collection - summer's here!!!

This was my ultimate fave collage amongst her purchases today.

Meanwhile, I made a purchase of my own,

a pair of Zontary's 'Habana' sport platforms

How can four inch platforms be so easy to walk in and be sooo comfy?

Looks like girls of all ages have a collection to complete. Have a great weekend!

ESSENTIAL SUMMER PIECES: IT'S ALL ABOUT FEELING GOOD!

Summer is definitely here! You can tell as the heat is on.

The grass in our garden is fast drying up, and our

little Amanda is chasing butterflies, barefoot and restless...

It wasn't a planned shopping day (it never really is),

but summer is a time to shed all those heavier pieces- time to wear easy and breathable ones.

This kicked off my impromptu summer shopping:

At 10.00am I found this lovely summer tote at

Shoppesville, Greenhills (only P1000),

it is made from woven yarn.

I ended up giving it to Amanda's yaya who loved it!

At Podium, I finally got a Jason Mraz CD. (We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things)

I remember a summer at Pagudpud sipping Kapuluan Martinis, watching the sun set over the Ilocos Norte Mountains.

I keep playing Jason Mraz over and over.

I have a crush on the track 'Live High'.

And my kids keep repeating the track 'Butterfly' over and over - they've choreographed a dance for that track.

This album is definitely a feel good one.
The very next day, I bought two pairs of shades last week from the ever gracious ladies at George Optical, Shoppesville Greenhills.

I took so long to choose! It wasn't easy... So I did the 'high-low' thing - I bought a pair of

Ray Ban Wayferers, in faux turtoise shell.

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.

Here is my lovely linen White Orchid Dress.

I shot it before shipping to Andrea Bell in Springfield, Massachusetts.

This piece made it to the maiden issue of Love Sewing Magazine. Woohoo!

MAD ABOUT THE BETTY DRAPER LOOK

Ever since my gal pal handed me a copy of Vanity Fair with the article of Mad Men in it -

I was hooked (yes I admit I am a late bloomer!)

I had my husband buy Season 1, 2 and 3 of Mad Men.

Okay, okay, at first I kept watching the show thanks to hottie and dapper Don Draper.

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.

Here's Betty at a store window. Photo courtesy of AMC's official website.

Here is my version if Season 2's necklaces.

My version is made from keishi coin pearls in grey.

More of this fab piece in here.

Have you noticed Betty Draper's coin pearl earrings?

I have seen it quite often in Season 1 and 2.

Here's a dress I designed with Betty in mind.

It just sold last night at Bonne Bouche Greenbelt 5!

HOW TO MEASURE : AN EASY MEASUREMENT GUIDE

After years of accepting orders for customized pieces from clients overseas -one most popular question stands out: How do you take my measurements?I have decided to create an east how-to guide that is easy to follow. So ladies - here it is! Your east to follow measurement guide.

It's easier than you think!

You must follow this to the T though if you want to get great results.

CIARA SOTTO'S WEDDING GOWN

I am simply crushing on Ciara Sotto's exquisite corsette wedding gown

by the popular multi-tasking young designer - Mich Dulce.

There is nothing ordinary about this gown-what a fresh take!

I must say Ciara looked picture perfect on her big day.

Photos courtesy of Mango Red Photography

The handsome couple:

Ciara Sotto and longtime beau Joe Oconer wed January 17, 2010.

And here it Ciara's fab wedding gown designer - the multi talented Mich Dulce.

I lurve the fascinators Mich!

(Photo courtesy of Mich Dulce)

RICA PERALEJO'S WEDDING DRESS

Don't we just love beautifully intimate weddings?

Most especially when the bride is a lovely young celebrity?

Actress and much loved TV host Rica Peralejo marries

brilliant young pastor Joe Bonifacio in an intimate beach wedding, January 29, 2010.

Recently so many bride's inquiring for a customized wedding dress have brought up how

Rica Peralejo's wedding dress was so unique.

It was created by popular wedding gown designer

my good pal Rajo Laurel - and he calls this his spider cobweb dress.

I think Rica got away with this incredibly modern style.

She's so pretty that she could pull off absolutely anything!

Photos courtesy of Lito Sy.

BRIDE WINS WEDDING GOWN AT CHARITY AUCTION

Late 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 www.weddings.ph

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 couture bouquets here.

Here is the her one-of-a kind wedding gown I designed for her. It was inspired by my Rambling Rose Wedding Dress which retails at etsy.com 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.

PRE-VALENTINE FLOWER DELIVERY

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.

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!
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 online store! We would love to hear from you.

PROM SEASON: THE IDEAL PROM DRESS

Toccata's Camille bolero in red matte satin. The jeweled belt brightened the ensemble.

Preview Magazine's online component - stylebible.ph asked me to talk about the ideal prom dress.

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 Mad Men. When I was in third year in high school, I never had a classmate that sophisticated. I envy these kids nowadays.

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: Sir? Would you like to join us? Her dad said: No, no, I'l l wait out here, so if the dress doesn't turn out well I wont be the one to blame.

So here is how it turned out folks! Here is the write-up

VALENTINE FLOWERS ARE SO CHIC!

Valentine's Day is only nine days away! For this love season, we have incredibly chic and easy to order Couture Bouquets available at Michi Calica Fresh Flowers.

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.

Michael George said in the book Simply Elegant Flowers (North Lite Books), how n the 1930's his father began the trend of delivering flowers in now collectible Haeger and Roseville vases.

We are very concerned about the environment, therefore we have decided to stop using a lot of paper for this big day.

The Semi-Mermaid Gown for a Svelte Bride

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.

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.

Photos courtesy of Ariel Javelosa

Sweet Bride

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!

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.

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.

Photos by John Ong of Imagination

Lovely Clusters - Beautiful Handmade Items

Lovely Clusters - Beautiful Handmade Items

I am so pleased to be in the company of such talented artisans and creative minds at a beautiful site called Lovely

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.

How to clean feathers

I'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.

Here's how to care for the feathers:

Easiest is to blowdry the feathers. The air from the blowdryer hopefully gets all the dust away in a couple of minutes.

Those newborn baby hairbrushes 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.

Sable paint brushes are also excellent in brushing the feathers clean.

Three easy ways to keep feathers clean. Remember to keep your feathered boleros safe from moisture, bright light, and dust.

FIRST LUCKY BRIDE

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

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.

Best home and office flowers that make your heart sing

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!

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.

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.

How about 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.

Our home and office floral collection is also available online!

Free Wedding Bouquet for You

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.!

Wouldn't you love to win my exquisite designer wedding bouquets by Michi Calica Fresh Flowers?
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.
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?

WIN A FREE BOUQUET Q&A

Q: What is the duration of the promotion?:
A: Promotion will start on November 15, 2009 and end on December 15, 2009

Q: Who can join this Promotion?
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.

Q: How do I avail of this free bridal bouquet?
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.

Q:What is the duration for the free wedding bouquet?
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.

Beautiful Bridal Jewelry that Won't Break the Bank

Beautiful, AAA-quality freshwater pearls. I can't get over their roundness, size and luster. You will be amazed how reasonably priced they are.
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!
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.

Toccata's White Orchid Bolero Winner Revealed!

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...)
Rachael Green of Los Angeles, you are one lucky bride-to-be! Here's what she wrote:

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!

Check out Kat Williams post on the White Orchid Bolero winner here.

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!