THE daily chronicle SHOW

after a long hiatus, saturday stakeout is back! cravings, sweet delights, calorie-loaded, sinfully creamy - my latest fashionable edible desires :

* SWEET BLISS : want to take a big bite out of your manolos or gucci purses? check out sweet bliss chocolate pump and handbag at neiman marcus. for $ 65, you enjoy rich belgian chocolate filled with caramel - on edible shoe and purse!

* HANDBAG CAKE : perfect for upcoming mother’s day, this triple mocha cheesecake is unforgiving! chef susan morgan has been creating one-of-a-kind cakes for all occasions in the past years. serves 12, this cake is priced at $ 190. available at neimans too!

* GAYLE’S CHOCOLATES : chocolates for all season! chocolate bars for him, miniature bears for the kids, sweet corporate gifts, truffles for everyone - and even chocolate shoes for the fashionistas! try them now!

spring is such a popular season for weddings. maybe because the birth and renewal significance of spring influences wedding date decisions primarily since getting married is somewhat of a new beginning. or maybe the season brings abundance of gorgeous blooming flowers not just your common garden variety kinds. flowers being a main character in a wedding extravaganza meant to be romantic and dreamy. so, with a myriad of bridal showers, luncheons, bachelorette parties and the main event, the wedding - we are faced with dilemma on what to wear or what not to wear. after a few absences, saturday stakeout is back with some favorite looks for a wedding guest (not the bride!) on three wedding themes :

* URBAN CHIC : i envision sleek minimal monochromatic look for an urban chic wedding. the reception may be in a loft, a museum or an excellent restaurant - the look calls for a simple outfit free of frills and excess.

* GARDEN WEDDING : even if spring season is synonymous to allergy season, no one’s sending their regrets for a garden wedding in spring. the fresh garden colors blend against the bride’s immaculate ivory dress. the birds chirping along the string quartet and soothing floral scent is in the air as everyone cries along with the bride.

* FORMAL EVENING : as ladies are escorted by their tux-clad dates into the grand ballroom, the newly-wed couple steps out a stretch limo unto the arms of well-wishers and the party is about to begin. a showband is hired and champagne corks are ready to pop for celebration up to the wee hours of the morning.

finally, a toast to the newlywed couple!

photo credits : neiman marcus

head-to-toe favorites. i never leave home without generously slathering them on me, head to toe. i buy them by the dozen, for fear of their retirement. ok, i’m exaggerating but i could if as soon as a rumor slips out on their discontinuation or early retirement. i just simply love them!

* CROWNING GLORY : i swear by kerastase’s masquintense, which i use after every shampoo. i leave them on for a few minutes on damp towel-dried hair and wash them off right before getting out of the shower. it leaves my hair manageable and shiny! hurrah for tangle-free hair!

* MY NAME IS STELLA : tocca’s rich body cream in stella scent is fresh, sweet and sexy. this cream leaves skin supple and soft. dry skin is moisturized and revived! the scent leaves a lasting delightful sicilian orange freshness!

* MY TOES, MY KNEES : the driest, most unflattering part of my body are my toes and knees. they’re battered and neglected often times. thanks to killer heels and clogs, they’re suffering the way they are. luckily, i have aquaphor to thank for. these all-around treatment for babies ‘ diaper rash, burnt and excessive dry skin, chapped lips, rough elbows, winter-dry skin - saved my feet from becoming older-looking than our natural age. they’re inexpensive and readily available almost everywhere. i slather them on every after shower especially during the summer where we ladies wear our bare sandals and mules!

what are your favorite products?

in the past few months, a few new restaurants and boutiques opened their doors to houston. perfect for weekend adventures, these establishments rise up to the insatiable curious crowd. catering to a few loyal bunch, the following have not been disappointments :

* BICE RISTORANTE : after a strong opening a few months back, the italian restaurant sitting in a very strategic corner in the galleria mall has been a steady favorite for major events and parties. started as a neighborhood trattoria in milan, this fancy restaurant’s interior is an impressive sleek architectural display with a cool minimalistic aura obviously far from it’s original state back then. with a private club upstairs, it’s available for members only who has extended it’s exclusivity to the few who can afford it’s access. excellent choices in the menu are - the first time we stopped by, we had a myriad of antipasti selections - such as steamed clams and mussels in tomato and butter sauce, carpaccio which are thinly-sliced beef with mayonnaise and topped with fresh parmigiano-reggiano, prosciutto with melon and parmesan insalata - the rustic taste is evidently good!

* VALOBRA : a noted favorite tourist stop at the french quarter in new orleans and originally from turin italy, this gem of an antique and jewelry store flung their doors open wide to embrace the good ole texan consumer hospitality just a few days before valentine’s day and coincided as the torino olympics kicked off. still maintaining both stores in new orleans and turin, the family-owned shop will entice antique and jewelry lovers of all ages. carrying classic italian designs from buccellati, murano and the valobra family original designs from all four generations, the store has an old world feel and warmth. it adds that a hands-on service from the charming valobra family is at hand!

* RA SUSHI : soon to open at highland village, this chain sushi fusion restaurant will lend a slice of it’s upbeat fun eating experience to the food-loving town of houston. set to open in spring, the anticipation is cooking literally!

be it the week’s happy hours, hump day outing or the exciting weekend ahead - let these new doors escort you in to a new dining or shopping entertainment!

coffee table reads. coffee table books. they’re more than just an aesthetic display. here are some of my favorites :

* DOMICILIUM DECORATUS : with numerous boutique hotels under her belt, it’s just natural that kelly wearstler’s work be etched permanently on a thick big glossy book showcasing her classic style and design. each limited-edition book is individually signed by her and there’s page after page of her own personal glamour importantly captured by her own home and lifestyle.

* PHILIPPINE STYLE : tropical living captures the modern contemporary filipino home. the diverse style of each homes are individually influenced by either the classic-old world to the urban asian minimal to the rustic mediterranean concepts. with fascinating photographs captured through creative lens, it is a must-have hardbound on the table top. mine was a precious gift from bestfriend, joy, many years ago!

* CARTIER COLLECTION : it’s thick, it’s back-breaking heavy, it’s loaded with treasures. a must for any jewelry collector. within the covers lay countless extravagant antique pieces and designs from the earliest cartier collection - from the diamond-on-the-rough draft on paper proceeding to the intricate product with brilliance. this book is more than just a coffeetable book. it is truly a box of precious jewels!

even if i had read and re-read them, when a day does not bring me any inspiration - i grab one and indulge on the beauty of whatever a page brings me!

after weeks of some challenging technical difficulties, saturday stakeout is back! winter is almost over, i have compiled some three favorites to wrap up the season!

* ROCK AND ROLL T-SHIRTS : they’re cool-looking. they’re comfortably cotton. they’re not plain, nor overly ornamented. just a few rhinestones to keep the interest going. yvette mandell’s t-shirts are hip and distinct. perfect over jeans or track pants.

* BRIGHT FLATS : miu miu’s sequined flats are just divine even with the dirtiest, old pair of jeans! worn with a plain white shirt and you’re just as perfect to go to a cocktail party! it also looks cool with a skirt or cut-offs!

* PARIS COMBO : i am obssessed with smooth, soulful elegant music. this band has that frenchy sound of the old era that’s upbeat in tempo. their music is infused with classic theatrical sound mixed with swing and jazz. you can listen to the paris combo sound here.

i can’t wait now for the bright hues of spring and the scent of fresh flowers and grass. i’m longing for the splatter of rain for the drought out plants - and with that comes the peek of sunshine. for spring, it’s a whole new beginning! have a great weekend folks!

for my favorite local houston gift stores, this three shops are just more than just stores for me. they are my haven for gift-giving search due to their vast supply of endless hodgepodge of novelty items and gifts.

* KUHL-LINSCOMB : not just one flagship store but 5 stores all in one block, showcasing an array of home accessories, bed and bath gifts, music, antiques, garden and jewelry lines. with the owners extensive shopping trips from europe and asia, they brought home to houston a one-of-a-kind, unique store fit to satisfy the pickiest houstonian ever. with one step across the street on to the next, kuhl-linscomb has brought you a lifestyle massive store that completes a shopping trip!

* SLOAN/HALL : owned by two of houston’s stylish men, sloan and hall was one of the first lifestyle stores that opened many years back catering to the few who prefer pampering and personal service in search for the perennial gift. far from a tiny corner shop now, it currently carries rare jewelry and watch lines, european home and personal scents, fancy cards and paper accessories and finally, even clothing and shoe lines from up and coming talented young designers. not too far from kuhl-linscomb, you usually end up visiting both stores!

* LONGORIA : entering into longoria is like stepping into a dream. with it’s white fluffy pillows and silky sheets on antique brass beds, glistening candles and shimmering chandeliers - there is a dreamy serious look to this luxurious home store. my personal favorite for home scents, beddings and bath accessories - this shop carries brands like frette, nancy koltes, peacock alley, tocca, cucina and shabby chic queen, rachel ashwell - to name a few. i never leave the store without an irresistable purchase however minimal it would be!

with just a few days left before christmas, i still need to make a quick stop-over to these stores to complete my gift list! have a great weekend everyone!

before you paint the town red for the holiday parties, make sure you are confident enough to pull off a party outfit and come like you didn’t really try hard showing up with such a cool holiday gear. whether it’s a formal dinner or a casual get-together with a number of friends, the following are a few elements for a sure hit party attire :

* JIMMY WHO? MANOLO WHO? : as a self-confessed shoe addict, i stumbled on these great shoes at incredible prices. and it’s not from some high-end italian shoe house. did you guess it right? nine west.

* CROC ATTACK ! : when alex knight left fashion’s bible, vogue, she had the luxury handbag market in mind. with exotic leather skins as her canvass, there was no stopping back for this native houstonian as she exploded the fashion world with gorgeous handbags, small leather goods and accessories. her custom-made purses come in a variety of colors, finishes, ribbons and fur accents enough to confuse a sane individual. to top it off, your name or initials will be on a silver plate to end the process. with an old brick townhome as her houston showroom, this little shop is brewing with hundreds of orders to match a new pair of manolos or a piece of jewelry. i can’t resist, i ordered a lola in royal blue with silver satin ribbon to match a watch. seems like hillary swank couldn’t resist, too - she carried one at last year’s oscars to match her sexy navy blue bare-back dress. cool, huh? i want this one, too, in emerald green :

* DRESS FOR THE OCCASION : for the girly-girl inside of each one of us, a simple yet lovely dress will stand out in a mass of formal tuxedo suits and blinding holiday ornaments. a dress enough to command an evening. a dress fit for the occasion. i love this dress. i love anything diane, anyway.

ok, go ahead and paint the town red (or green, too, to complete the holiday color scheme). remember, don’t drink and drive!

photos from nine west, alexandra knight and shopbop online.

after a week of saturday stakeout hiatus, i’m back. this time it’s all about me. LOL!

it’s ALL-I-WANT-FOR-CHRISTMAS-LIST :

that’s not all. i want this too,

and this,

and finally, this

.

and of course, world peace and end of hunger.

photo credits : neiman, eluxury, bergdorf

let me kick off this weekend with some holiday shopping gift guide :

* FOR HIM : this snowboard game is for the young boy and the young at heart. it includes four different games and the price is reasonable. this is a safer alternative to the actual real thing. no broken nose, no twisted ankle. and for us that live in houston, when will we ever see snow again? we were just lucky last year!

* FOR HER : a gift certificate for a spa outing beats any other festively wrapped present! with time being so precious nowadays, who has time to call and schedule for a spa retreat even for a few hours? it takes a few convincing, nudging and pleading until one gives in and actually pick up the phone and leave the tight work hours for a blissful treat. so, by giving the ladies a spa gift certificate, it takes away at least that one step of wondering about prices and comparing different spa ratings for a money worthwhile visit!

* FOR BABY : these adorable tops and onesies from dirty laundry are so cute and crafty! it’s got a distinct comfort design and even moms crave the look for their own earthy selves! available at totshop.

happy shopping everyone! see you next saturday!

the holidays are coming fast in full force. the following three favorites are staples for my easy going stress-free idea of the holiday season rush.

* ‘TIS THE HOLIDAY SEASON! : to stir away from the traditional holiday cards, these minimally-designed cards convey the spirit of the season in a modern way. i love the look of the abstract reindeer!

image from trunkt. more cards by tobi wood here.

* HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS : this season, it’s not only about the red and green colors. black is in. as always. from the little black dress for this season’s hottest parties, to the black patent shoes to match every outfit. now comes, black accessories and jewelry! this adorable earrings are just that.

more jewelry from jessica hicks here.

* JUST GIVE : it is undeniably the season for giving. with recent tragedies leaving families and individuals homeless and unemployed, what better way to start giving is providing for the needy. just give.org lets you create a favorite list of charities, so family and friends can donate in behalf of your name!

have a safe and stress-free holidays everyone!

here we go again :

* WRAP IT UP! : anything to keep me warm this season should be something fluffy and soft. nothing harsh to dry out skin more with this cold weather. luxurious cashmere or the less expensive alternative merino silk blend will do. for a more unique yet minimal look, try a kimono-inspired wrap for a modern twist on the conservative cardigan.

photo from eluxury.com

* WHITE TRUFFLES, ANYONE? : if you have fell in love with kerastase shampoos, wait till you try philip b. white truffle shampoo. it nourishes and moisturizes dull limp hair, especially this cold season. for $ 50 a pop, it better be orgasmic than a true sinfully delighful white truffle! my tip : i alternate both shampoo every other week for optimum usage. won’t leave residue build up.

* DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL’S BESTFRIEND : and men thought you can only check out bling-blings at arms reach over a counter by the jewelry store, now it’s at your fingertips. check out ross-simons! an interactive site, it lets you compare prices over thousands and thousands of jewelry choices. from estate pieces to loose stones. from real diamonds with the 4Cs to the cheaper (but non-comparable) moissanites and CZs. so, leave the loupe at home!

have a good weekend everyone!

it’s been a week yet again, here’s more saturday sizzling favorites :

* LIFE JOURNAL : you read the book, now comes the journal of your best life now, by houston’s very own well-loved preacher, joel osteen. a very young preacher who succeeded his dad in leading lakewood church, his tours are all sold out and his gospel tv ministry every week is most awaited. the book has been new york times # 1 best seller and has been everyone’s bible for daily uplifting and encouragement. grab your copies of the book and journal now!

* FRESH LINEN WASH : for daily care of your 100% vintage linen and silk sateen sheets, this laundry detergent keeps them fresh and soft. with just at least 1/4 of a cup mixed with water, this mixture will keep linens gleamy yet delicate. the 32 oz bottle goes a long, long way!

* GO ASTROS : lastly, after awarding houston the franchise for a professional baseball team many years ago - 2005 marks the first chance for them in grabbing the world series championship never before attained by any texas team. good luck to the astros and you’re still my one and only favorite baseball team, win or lose!

that’s my fave three this saturday, see you next week!

unbelievable! it was just only a few days ago when i started this little tradition and here i am again sharing my latest finds for saturday!

* HOUSTON’S OWN : marnie greenwood, houston’s local answer to new york’s popular me and ro, started crafting beautiful jewelry a couple of years ago that sparked a cult following from houston’s young socialite set and eventually, hollywood’s own tinseltown starlets. my favorites are these liana link necklaces, worn as a single strand or wrap a couple of them for a funky look!

* FOR GOOD FORTUNE AND PROTECTION : this may not be the most attractive thing in the world but the power of the dzi bead still amazes every wearer. an ancient tibetan bead known for it’s mystic influence in maintaning daily good fortune and health, protection and to fight off negative obstacles, has now been redesigned to be a wearable piece of jewelry - be it the colorful bracelets or this necklace, worn close to your heart.

* REVOLUTIONARY IN-SHOWER LOTION : my absolute favorite product for the cold season, where we all suffer from dry skin, is oil of olay’s moisturinse in shower body lotion. slather on after a long hot shower, it leaves skin soft and silky preventing dryness. it’s fresh smelling scent lingers on, as clothing smoothly rubs on your skin. for a more lasting fragrance, use it with other oil of olay products like complete body wash with shea butter and body lotion. most importantly, they’re inexpensive and readily available in your local drugstore and grocery, not in your stuffy fancy department stores with long lines of women for make-up counter demo!

see you next week!

in the manner of mipmup’s friday favorites or toni’s friday trio, i’m sharing my own highly touted favorites every week starting with today’s entry.

* GREAT DEAL OF THE WEEK : holiday four-piece travel collection in orange from one of my favorite stores, target. other than the bright hard-to-miss-in-the-luggage-carousel color, it has a powerful durable PVC backing and has a free gift with every purchase, all under $100. now you can travel in style and practicality!

* SHOE FETISH ALERT : for a fashion foot forward look this fall, this hot-looking velvet and leather strappy heels are perfect for holiday parties or just simply adding a punch of edginess to an otherwise lame daily office wardobe. it’s also available in a dynamite purple and black color. shoes available at tory by trb.

* 25 % OFF MUSIC : the sound of pink martini transports you to the south american shores, the cobblestone streets of europe and the nightclubs and cabarets of early america. it has a distinct quirky sort of artsy blend of vocals and strings determined to soothe you. the latest album, hang on little tomato, is on sale at amazon.

these are the ones that keep hovering in my thoughts, testing my will power to possess the inevitable. still, there are so much more to share but those we’ll have to wait for next saturday. in the meantime, enjoy the rest of the weekend!