CELINE & BELLE SWIMWEAR: FASHION UNDER THE SUN

Somewhere between the ages of 13 to 40, some women fall into a tendency of changing body types, making them worry about exposing some skin at the beach. To some, they face the age old dilemma on what swimwear they can pull off with their body type. Different styles look good on different body shapes. A lot of effort and thinking go into the process of choosing the right piece for you. We rely on trusty mirrors to decide what looks good on us, like any stylist would.

 

“The fit might look right in front of the mirror. But there are certain things mirrors can’t tell such as the quality and durability of each swimsuit,” explains Clarabelle Luz Roque, beach lover and co-owner of the newest swimwear brand Celine & Belle.

 

Celine Uy, the other half of the brand, adds, “Appearance, design, and cut are, of course, the most compelling factors in selecting swimsuits. Functionality is another one. However, shoppers must also pay attention to swimwear fabric. There are pieces which you can only wear once after losing them to chlorine degradation or tattered stitches. Some of them become too loose after one wash. Worse, the colors spatter on the fabric, ruining the whole pattern and design. Sun worshippers like Belle and myself really go for long-lasting swimsuits.”

“But good quality pieces don’t necessarily have to be expensive,” Belle clarifies. “However, there are only few affordable ones in the market and they are not as easy to spot. This constant dilemma led us to this venture of putting up our own line of swimwear.”

 

 

July 2012 saw these two young entrepreneurs teaming up with their Manila-based friend, Sebastian, who helped them with sketches and in finding suppliers who sell the right fabric. “He had the talent in drawing and he knew a lot of manufacturers. He understood the look we had in mind for each design. Being women, we knew what cuts right for each body type. There are certain areas which we opt to either conceal or reveal. Sebastian was quick to act on our ideas.”

 

Celine recalls the challenge they faced in scouting for fabric and suppliers. “We really invested a lot in fabric and production. We didn’t want to sacrifice the quality of our product. We spent a lot in quick-dry fabric and pads. We’re very meticulous in checking how the stitches are done and the way the fabric are cut. We’re also very particular when it comes to lining. I noticed some swimsuits in the market don’t have even have lining for the bottom piece. It made me feel naked and uncomfortable to walk around the beach after I got out of the water.”

 

Celine & Belle Swimwear was launched online in November 2012. Sales boomed fast even just within the first month. Orders came in bulk from here and around the globe. To date, they have already sold close to 500 pieces, and more orders are coming in.

 

“We never knew it would be such a hit especially with the lack of venue where buyers can check the products for real. I mean, the big difference with our brand is, mainly, the quality and material. Who can tell such by a photo posted online? Clients said the designs made our brand stand out from the rest which are readily available in the malls. This came as a compliment for us since both Celine and myself don’t have any background in fashion design nor did we take art as a major in college. We’re just regular girls who are addicted to fashion.”

Celine takes it from the perspective of a modern woman. “We can’t deny that women try not to repeat the same outfit even for different locations and occasions. This goes the same for beach wear. To make our products more wearable, we made sure that these can be used in different ways and some are even reversible. Our one piece suits can be worn as halter or strapless. We have reversible and seamless 2-piece bikinis with varied cuts and designs. All these you can mix and match or wear however you want to. No one would know you’re wearing the same piece from your previous beach getaway. We also don’t produce a lot for each design. No one would want to bump into hundreds of clones roaming around town.”

Belle adds, “We used a bit of magic in how we added details and layering, just to make sure they flatter the waist and the body areas that deserve attention and focus. The one-piece suit is actually one of our best-sellers. The structure cinches the waist and hides unwanted bulges. This is perfect even for the slim and slender. The cut is sexy enough even without revealing too much skin --- which keeps the look more interesting.”

Check out http://www.facebook.com/CELINEandBELLE.swimwear on Facebook for orders and more product updates.

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Story publsihed on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol 6 Issue, 20 March 2013

 

 

SUMMER GLAM IN MOD AUDREY

 

Summer is here!

As a nation of sun-worshipping individuals, Filipinas have always had a fascination for swimwear. Shopping for the perfect swimsuit can be difficult at times, especially for those who are quite conscious about their body.

 

It’s only normal for every woman to want look glam and sexy, particularly in the beach. Comfort and support are two main things to look for in swimwear. A sense of fashion is essential even at the beach, and shopping options nowadays feature slimming fabrics and patterns that make women look great under the sun.

 

 

Soul Lifestyle’s Mod Audrey swimwear offers endless possibilities in styling up your summer look. The hit collection is making another comeback with 9 colors to choose from --- all reversible and wearable in different ways. Girls can wear it as a tube swimsuit, highwaist bikini, a regular two-piece, and many more.

 

 

Designer and owner Mimi Vergara Tupas describes her line as “itsy-bitsy, but never teenie-weenie.”

 

 

 

“Mod Audrey brings elegance to the shore even with just the tube swimsuit. Mommies like me find Mod Audrey swimwear as a solution to our beach problem. The multi-purpose combination of the one piece suit and bandeau can cover stretchmarks, tucks the tummy, and puts wiggles in all the right places. The pieces are seamless and modestly cut. Our swimwear can also be worn on the streets by simply pairing them with blazers, pants or shorts.”
 

 

 

Soul Lifestyle is now accepting for orders of the Mod Audrey collection. Visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ModAudreySwimsuits or order online via http://modaudrey.multiply.com.
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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.
A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao, Vol. 5 issue 265, 13 March 2013.

 

 

ONE FAB POOCH PAW-LOUR AND PET HOTEL

Dogs are every man’s best friend. We treat them like equals and give them the same treatment we give to our family. Dogs reward our care and love with loyalty and friendship, even braving the odds just to keep their master away from harm.

 

In this time and day, dogs have elevated their position in family homes. Gone are the days when they just functioned as life guards. In a way, they have now become an extension of their master's identity and personality. Think Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell. Or better yet, Elle Woods and Bruiser. These pooches mirror the personal taste of their handlers, from posh cribs to sophisticated ensembles.

 

However, their crib is sometimes put into question when the need and impulse to travel arises. Not everyone has the moolah to get travel with their pooches via private plane, nor do most malls allow pets in their premises.

Majority of the time, dogs are left to friends or neighbors who we do not intend to bother with the responsibilities and work load of a caretaker. Each dog lover has a different standard in caring for their pets, and your dog’s temporary handlers might get too worried over not being able to provide what your dog is accustomed to. I have heard of people having sleepless nights, worrying about a friend’s pet in their custody, or about their own dogs under an inexperienced caretaker.

 

 

One Fab Pooch Hotel and Fitness Club is your saving grace for this dilemma. Whether it is for a day or a week, your canine bff is guaranteed to experience the best kind of hospitality in Davao’s first and only doggie daycare center and boarding facility.

 

 

This year-old pet-boarding place has sprung new breed and quality in pet care and grooming for every four-legged guest. One Fab Pooch is adapted from hospitals and luxury hotels, featuring home-like sleeping spaces, hours of play and exercise, experienced trainers, plus the best sanitation and grooming standards.

 

Patterned after contemporary living spaces, One Fab Pooch has 21 well-appointed rooms, with different room categories and amenities to suit your dog’s needs. Each room is designed with the comfort of your pooches in mind. They also have a posh paw-lour where dogs can enjoy ultimate pampering and a bit of fashion refreshment.

Fitness and playgroup activities in the Fitness Club also ensure that your pets are fit and well-socialized with other guests, so they won't feel too lonely during your absence.

They are guided through an hour of fitness session and supervised activities that stimulate their agility and coordination skills, added with a moderate cardio exercise to keep them in proper shape and health.

 

ONE FAB POOCH Hotel & Fitness Club is located at 751 Tionko Avenue corner Araullo St. (near Sunflower Hotel and Sanny Sweets), Davao City. Their new Paw-lour branch is also opening on March 8, located in the Phoenix Commercial Complex in Lanang area. Check the Facebook page of One Fab Pooch Hotel and Fitness Club for more information, VIP membership, and special discounts. You may also call (63 82) 305 0351 for other inquiries and pickup and delivery services.

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Story published on my newspaper column, Metro Mom.

A1, INdulge section, Edge Davao newspaper, Vol. 5 Issue 260, 06 March 2013.