Latte Letters: 12.20
Literally writing this as I sip on an Oatmilk Latte with Turmeric, Cinnamon and Maple Syrup while ~patiently ~ waiting for my banana pancakes to finish cooking. How basic can I get? It’s been awhile and here we are… December.
Ahh December. This is usually my favorite month of the year and usually the most eventful. It starts with the adrenaline of finals, the excitement of winter break after getting teased by Thanksgiving, being able to see your breath from the cold air, wreaths on every door, celebratory rooftop drinks post-exams, and frantic packing for my morning flight back home. My favorite part is just before landing back in the Philippines. From the plane, I am always able to see the Christmas lights wrapped around my apartment building in Makati. Those lights and the smell of the airport is the sign that I am home.
This year will be a bit different for everyone but as long as you’re with family and people you love, that’s all that matters.
Enough reminiscing, Latter Letters isn’t about that. Let’s see what “cool” things I found these last couple months.
Look:
Pretty much a wishlist but here are a few brands and pieces I’ve been obsessing over the last few months.
A long time favorite of mine. I admire Paloma Lanna’s unique eye for design and ability to add art onto art. Her creation is the epitome of different but the type of different you aspire to be. Her 7th collection of Bathing Women reminds me a bit of Matisse. This collection was inspired by a painted scene of nude women by Emile Bernard. Lanna then requested the scene to be illustrated by her friend Latorre which was then printed on seven pieces of linen. Her current collections continue to amaze me and revolutionize the world of fashion and its ephemeral trends.
Adventurous & fashionable sandals made of recycled plastic. Born out of necessity to prevent sandals from floating downstream, a resourceful river guide strapped two Velcro watchbands to a pair of old flip-flops. I respect this sustainable brand for practicing what they preach. They encourage their consumers to not only explore the wonders of nature but doing so with shoes that help save the environment they’re exploring.
Maybe I just miss the Philippines but when I stumbled on this brand and this jacket specifically, I fell in love. The Postcard Jacket in Lilac stole my heart with its colors and remnants of home. Apart from this jacket, they have many other designs on denim that is sold both online and at a vintage store in Manila.
Another brand I’ve been obsessing over. I love seeing innovative brands who are able to create one of the most beautiful pieces in a sustainable way. 3 Women does just that. A women-owned and operated sustainable fashion brand in Long Beach, California. Their limited run clothing line is locally and ethically made by a small team of women using thoughtfully curated vintage textiles. No two designs are alike, which makes each garment truly original. I love it.
Apart from the beautifully handcrafted jewelry and kind owner, I love this brand because of its purpose. I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to the founder through Instagram and she truly does have a kind heart. All proceeds from selling her creations go to a family and community dear to her in the Philippines where she is currently based. She mentioned that she spoke to her family’s helper who was going through a difficult time during the enhanced quarantine in Manila. That was just one of the many families she’s helped. I was amazed at how carefully crafted and how high quality the necklace was when it arrived at my doorstep. I will continue wearing it with pride knowing that not only is it insanely cute but that it helps a family in need.
