Author: Tippi

When things get really busy, I need a book to slow me down.  I’m currently reading “Parisian Chic:  A Style Guide by Inès de la Fressange” which I found when I went to the Manila Book Fair a few weeks ago.  It’s a clever book, a paperback designed to look like a leather-bound book, complete with gold-stamped printing on its pleather wrapped cover.  Inès de la Fressange was my style idol during my high school years, a woman born into an aristocratic family who became Karl Lagerfeld’s favorite muse and the face of Chanel in the 80’s. What I love about this book is that, while it’s essentially a style guide around Paris–sharing little-known galleries, hole-in-the-wall vintage stores, neighborhood cafés, and out-of-the-way designer boutiques–it can also be seen as a guide to exploring one’s own city and discovering it’s local treasures.  Flea markets, the local grocery, vintage shops…these are just some of a Parisian’s go-to places that have become my favorite hunting grounds to rummage for finds over the years. Ito and I discovered these pristine French Salon chairs completely covered in cling-wrap at a local vintage store in Evangelista Street These chic, whimsical mobiles by Ral Arogante can often be found at Art in the Park in Salcedo Park One of my favorite style tips in the book is to look for the ‘essence’ of things, and to...