Join Ensembles WEAR MY DESIGN CONTEST Year 3!

Would you like to see your very own design displayed at Ensembles? It can happen! Ensembles just recently unveiled the 8 Winning Spring Dresses 2014 now gracing the racks of every Ensembles branch nationwide! This April, the competition starts again in search of  the next 5 winning Spring Dresses of 2015, open in two categories of Soft OR Tailored.

If you have an eye for fashion, then this is definitely for you! All you have to do is submit a dress prototype of your design together with an application form downloaded from Ensembles Facebook page. Contest starts at April 1 to May 31 2014. All submitted entries will be uploaded at Ensembles’ Facebook page for voting. Your spring dress design maybe the one unveiled next year! 

Learn more about Wear My Design Competition mechanics and rules at www.ensembles.com.ph. Like Ensembles on Facebook, and follow Ensembles on Twitter and Instagram @EnsemblesOnline.

Love,

Helen

Haul: Ensembles (Everything at 50% off!) + All Access Card

No, not everything in store is at 50% off; but everything I got for this haul is at 50% off! On a mall trip, I just dropped by Ensembles in Trinoma to see what's new in store. I wasn't planning on buying anything (really), but I chanced upon some pieces that came exactly in my size (XS) and are on a huge discount.

Here, my goes my shopping principle of "Buy clothes when you don't need it, not when you need it."

If you just said, "Huh?", please read my explanation here. ;)

But before I started shopping, I availed the All Access VIP Card first for only P100.00. (Students can get theirs for just P60.00, provided they present a valid ID.) Availing this card would entitle me to an additional discount of 15% off, even on sale items! (This promo is extended until December 31, 2013.)

Why Avail of the All Access Card?

• All Access Card holders enjoy shopping privilege in Freeway, Ensembles, and Solo. Membership is renewable after 3 years.
• All Access Card comes with a 20% birthday discount, which the member could avail for single purchase on his/her birth month only.
• Members are entitled to special discounts on selected merchandise, promotional offer from partner establishments, and exclusive invites to members-only special events.
• All Access card is a point generating VIP Card. Every P50 purchase earns 1 point. E-purse is redeemable at every 100 points earned.
• The All Access card is non-transferable. Freeway, Ensembles, and Solo reserves the right to change the benefits, terms and conditions of usage  without prior notice.

Ensembles Basic Tank Top in Gray and Blue 
(P345.00 -> P199.00 -> P169.15* each)

My sister and I have the same body type so whatever fits me like a glove fits her, too! The thing is, she already has a 3-year old daughter, so I'm guessing I'll never gain weight even if I give birth someday.

Ensembles High-Waist Skirts in Black and Red 

(P895.00 -> P449.00 -> P381.65* each)

These are the rare occurrence that I spot bottoms that fit me at Ensembles. (These ones came in XS!) These high-waist skirts came in an office-appropriate length. I actually regret not getting all colors! I might go back to the store to get the teal and gray one if they're still available.

Ensembles White Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top

(P495.00 -> P199.00 -> P169.15*)

A simple, clean-looking top to go with my new skirts.

*The additional 15% off discount is only for All Access members.

Can you believe I just spent P1,370.75 (P1,270.75 for 5 clothes + P100.00 for the All Access Card) for all these? I'm really a happy shopper! :D

Like Ensembles on Facebook for updates on their latest products and promotions! :)

Love,

Helen

Ensembles x Vania Romoff for Holiday 2013

Now on its 5th year, Ensembles is back with another budding fashion designer for its Young Designer Series 2013. Ensembles is all about the strong and independent woman with a style that’s fashion forward yet elegant. The designer they chose this year is also one that I truly admire, since I personally love her style.

This year’s collaboration with Vania Romoff is a perfect match for Ensembles. With her designs being predominantly classic and feminine, Vania’s design aesthetic is definitely fit for an Ensembles woman.

Vania Romoff considered two important things for her collaboration with Ensembles:

• That the pieces should be wearable and relatable
• That her designs should stay true to her design aesthetic while still reflecting the brand’s persona

For her collaboration with Ensembles, she went back to the basic silhouettes. All together, this collection is fresh yet timeless and lives beyond the season. The pieces feature clean lines, flattering silhouettes, and a quiet, yet fresh elegance consistent in all her designs, making each piece somehow a modern classic.

I couldn't agree more on that. I had the chance to attend a talk early this year wherein Vania Romoff gave us style tips for Sping/Summer 2013. Now, it's Holiday 2013 she's taking over. I am so excited to show you a preview on her collaboration with Ensembles!

Her collection is a variety of tops, dresses, and jumpsuits featuring easy to wear pieces and key classics that are both functional and chic at the same time.

As for the silhouettes, it is a showcase of simplistic lines and basic shapes flattering to a woman’s curves which is one of the highlights of Vania’s design persona.

 

The collection is also a multitude of different trends and styles such as color blocking, prints, and soft drapes - presented in mostly subtle colors and neutrals, all capturing a woman’s grace, maturity, and charm.

A fresh take on vintage was the highlight of the campaign shoot for Vania’s collection, complete with a classic yet fun styling featuring shoes from Janilyn.

 

Described by Vania herself as a fresh yet timeless collection, her pieces will surely capture the attention of women of all sorts. Whether it is worn in the office, a smart casual affair, or on a simple lovely day out, Vania’s pieces will definitely bring out any woman’s confidence and highlight their beauty.

The Young Designer Series 2013 Collection featuring Vania Romoff is set to release in Ensembles stores nationwide this September!

For more information, please log on to ensembles.com.ph or like Ensembles on Facebook. You may also follow them on Twitter and Instagram @EnsemblesOnline.

Love,

Helen

Mid-Year Sale: Ensembles | Freeway | Solo

The much-awaited MIDYEAR SALE of Freeway, Ensembles, and Solo has just started!

Get up to 50-70% off starting June 14. I'll make sure to drop by tomorrow to see if I can get great deals for my office dresses and casual wear. You should too! ;)

Love,

Helen

Haul: Dresses

I love dresses more than pants, or any other clothing there is. There, I said it! I love them short and fitted, which I find looks best on my petite frame. I'll share with you the newest additions to my closet.

Ensembles Cover Up

I received this cover up as a gift from Ensembles. I love it to bits! It's definitely not your ordinary sarong. Look, you can wear it in so many ways!

I wish I discovered this before I went to the beach. It's the perfect kind of dressy cover up that would make me look glam at the beach. It comes in black, white, or fun prints like the one I got. I can also use it as a beach blanket. Oh, just thinking about all the possibilities gets me excited for my next beach trip!

Gray Dress from Ensembles (P1795.00 -> P899.00)

On my usual visit to Ensembles, I spotted this simple gray and white striped dress in XS and at 50% off! It fit me like a glove, as if it were made for me. It's rare that I find super small sizes in Ensembles, so when I do, I buy it ASAP since I like to wear their dresses in the office.

Black Dress from ForMe (P2,298.00 -> P688.00)

I have so many LBDs already but I couldn't resist this one. I tried the same style in red and black, but I ended up getting black. It was at 70% off! This one also came in XS. Just like what I mentioned above with Ensembles (or any ladies' clothing brand for that matter), it's hard for me to find something that fits since my body is still stuck in the girls' teens wear or tweens' department. I love ForMe's concept of dressing for your body type and I think their strategy is very effective. This dress is for a rectangle body (straight from top to bottom), and it managed to make me look less skinny. I also love the little drape thing going on over the left side of the dress.

Peach Dress from Tyler

This one was from my sister. I think she got it on sale, but won't tell me how much it is. Haha! I'm loving the color. Light peach is very dainty. The fit is very nice, but I'm not too crazy about the racerback part.

Tribal Print Dress from Crissa (P349.75 -> P315.00)

I got pleasantly surprised that Crissa now carries dresses. I love their skinny jeans and I've been buying pants from them since I was in high school! This one was kind of a regret buy though. I tried it on again at home and I found it too short. But I will definitely find a way to make this work.

I think I have a knack for finding nice dresses at rock bottom prices! I almost always get them at 50% off. Where else can I find nice dresses? I'd love to hear from you.

Love,

Helen

Ensembles Wear My Design Contest Year 2

Ever dreamed of having your own designs being sold in Ensembles stores nationwide? If yes, then this one is for you! Following the success of the first WEAR MY DESIGN Competition last year, where 5 winning dresses comprised Ensembles' Spring 2013 Collection, Ensembles is excited to announce that the next installation of this much anticipated contest will start on May 1 to June 30, 2013!

If you have an eye for fashion and a creative mind, then don't miss this chance to join! All you have to do is submit a dress prototype of your design together with an application form. All submitted entries will be uploaded to Ensembles’ Facebook page for voting. Winning entries will be featured in the Spring Dresses 2014 Collection. Five lucky ladies have already gotten their dreams come true with the last year’s contest. The dresses sold very well with customers having their own faves. Who knows, maybe it’s your time to shine!

This time around, there will be 8 grand winners! Each winner will receive cash and gift certificates from Ensembles, plus special gift packs from VMV Hypoallergenics and Piandre Salon. Each winner shall also be given one produced dress of his/her design (in his/her choice of color and size). The winning pieces will be reproduced by Ensembles for the Wear My Design 2014 Spring Dresses Collection, and the name of the grand winners will be featured on the Ensembles Wear My Design hangtag.

Learn more about ‘Wear My Design’ Competition mechanics and rules at www.ensembles.com.ph. Like Ensembles on Facebook page and  follow Ensembles on Twitter and Instagram (@EnsemblesOnline) for more information.

Love,

Helen

Summer Sale: Ensembles | Freeway | Solo [March 15-31, 2013]

I'm excited to go to the mall again this weekend, because a lot of my favorite clothing brands are on SALE! Now's the perfect time to stock up on your summer essentials and more.

Get up to 50-70% off on selected items from Freeway, Ensembles, and Solo this March 15-31, 2013. Get items from as low as P99.00 to P599.00 during this super summer sale! Happy shopping!

Love,

Helen

Year End Sale: Ensembles | Freeway | Solo

Our fave clothing brands Freeway, Solo, and Ensembles will be having a year end sale starting December 17, 2012 - just in time for those last-minute Christmas shopping!

 

Get up to 30%-50% off on selected regular items. Make sure to mark your calendars and visit these stores on your next mall trip. Happy shopping!

Love,
Helen

Pre-Holiday Sale: Ensembles | Freeway | Solo

When it comes to Christmas shopping, the earlier the better! I'm not a fan of crowded malls and long checkout queues - things can get really crazy for last minute shoppers. One tip: Do it early, and do it smart!

Shop early with the PRE-HOLIDAY SALE of your fave brands Freeway, Ensembles and Solo! Be it for yourself or for your loved ones, you'll definitely find great deals with markdowns up to 70%OFF! Sale starts tomorrow September 27.

I'll make sure to put Ensembles, Freeway, and Solo in my "must visit" list when I head to the mall this weekend. You should too! Happy shopping! ;)

Love,

Helen

Ensembles by Chris Diaz for Holiday 2012

Romanticism takes center stage as Ensembles unveils their latest collection for Holiday 2012. Ensembles collaborated with one of today's most celebrated fashion designers through its Young Designer Series (now on its fourth installment), none other than Chris Diaz, to come up with a collection that is both wearable and artistic - pieces so timeless and versatile that can take your look from work to weekend fun in a snap!

Chris Diaz was part of 2002 MEGA Young Designers Competition. This served as his stepping stone into the Manila fashion industry after becoming a finalist. Labeled as a “Romantic” Designer, his penchant with feminine frills, lace, and floral pieces all come into play with his creations.

Lace Dress in Black and Beige (P1,795)

Lace Dress in Beige (P1,995)

More Lace Pieces:

Lace Top in Black and Beige (P1,495)

Lace Dress in Black (P1,795)

The collection pays homage to Diaz’ design aesthete – lace. Diaz understands what women want to wear, hence the balance of feminine silhouette, the use of romantic elements, and a smart range of color blocking that will flatter the body with every piece from this collection.

Sabrina Color Blocking Dress in Rust (P1,895)

Vest in Gray and Black (P1,495)

Zipper Top in Red, Green, and Black (P1,295)

Blocking Skirt in Fuchsia and Red (P1,195)

Color Blocking Workshirt in White and Purple (P1,395)

More Color Blocking Pieces:

Color Blocking Dress with Mesh in White and Red (P1,795)

Three-fourths Color Blocking Dress in White and Red (P1,795)

This 17-piece collection includes standout dresses and blazers, flattering tops in chiffon and poplin, dresses and skirts all grounded in different treatments such as lovely laces, color blocking and soft fabrics – representing a woman that is romantic and effortlessly chic.

Behind the scenes: Ensembles x Chris Diaz Campaign Shoot

This collection will hit all Ensembles stores September 2012! Visit www.ensembles.com.ph to view the entire Ensembles by Chris Diaz Young Designers Series Holiday 2012 Collection. Like Ensembles on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @EnsemblesOnline.

Love,

Helen

Mid-Year Sale: Ensembles | Freeway | Solo

It's almost mid-year already; time flies by too fast! One thing I love about this time of the year is all the mid-year sales we're having in the malls. (Hello, new clothes!)

Top clothing brands Freeway, Ensembles, and Solo are having a MIDYEAR SALE (up to 70% off) starting on July 1 until August 5, 2012!

Now's your chance to grab those hot clothing items off the rack. Make sure you visit early on to get first dibs on those sale items. I'll be dropping by these stores for sure to get more clothes for work (and play). Happy shopping!

Love,

Helen

Entry Preview: Ensembles Wear My Design Contest

Calling all designers (and even aspiring ones)! Don't miss the chance on joining Ensembles' first ever Wear My Design contest! You can still submit your entries until June 30, 2012. Ensembles has been receiving lots of great designs, and you can still be part of it! Winning pieces will be part of Ensembles Spring 2013 Dresses Collection (which means ultimate bragging rights!) Winners will also get media exposure thru broadsheets and other social media sites, and receive cash prizes, gift certificates, and generous gifts from VMV Hypoallergenics, Piandre Salon, and Bo's Coffee.

For now, here's an sneak preview of some of the designs that were submitted to Ensembles. I love wearing dresses so I'm excited to see how creative these designers could get.

Working Girls by Ivan Ruiz

Cream and black pencil cut dress tailored with bold pink chiffon at the hem

Under The Sun by Ruth Lane Dela Peña

Chiffon weaved chest with sweetheart dress and detachable sleeves

Futuristic Spring by Michelle Sarmiento

Black and gray satin dress with gray belt

I already have a favorite among these three pretty dresses. Guess what it is. :> (It's easy, just look for my favorite color!) I sure hope that these amazing dresses will also come in small sizes like XS (hint! hint!) so petite girls like me could wear them too.

For the complete mechanics and rules of the Wear My Design Contest, visit the Ensembles website. Don't forget to like Ensembles on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

Love,

Helen