Thinking about a box of chocolates makes me giddy. I’d always wonder about the deliciously sweet and sinful surprises waiting for me; I used to avoid anything coconut…or fruity, for that matter, but now I think I’ll eat anything because you never know what you’ll end up liking. (Curiously enough, that’s pretty much how my fashion sense has evolved, too–I have my own style, but there’s not really much out there I won’t wear if given a challenge).

Anyhow, that same joy and excitement you get from beholding a chocolate box, eagerly anticipating its sweet promises, gave way to the concept of Chocolate Clothing. Founded by Ana Amigo-Antonio and her business partner Mike Advani, they had this idea that a store ought to be like this luxurious and beautiful chocolate box, and inside is a delightful assortment of varied labels, just like a heady mix of chocolate bonbons.

Though I’m familiar with Chocolate Clothing, I haven’t been looking at it closely until recently when shopping at malls and high street brands became my job.  I only know, from a magazine article I read years ago, that Chocolate held a lot of Australian labels.  But I didn’t really know who they catered to or what particular style they were known for.

I think that’s changing, now that the company is doing a makeover.  I sensed it as soon as I stepped into their store in Trinoma.  The stylish Ms. Finina Tugade has happily taken over the reins of the brand from its founder, and is now set on re-establishing the company’s style.  That was immediately obvious with the changes they’ve done to the store.

Romantic boudoir

Those bracelets and bangles look DELICIOUS. They made me crave for macarons, argh.

At the mini press launch with Celine Gabriel and Finina Tugade

Not really part of the decor, but they did become a part of my interior. Lemongrass drink and chocolate yummies!

Lovely bloggers with the store as our backdrop

I am a sucker for good interiors (I really hate shopping in stores that are ugly…unless the clothes are really worth it, and they rarely are).  The new look is apparently a modern take on “romantic boudoir”, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the lovely lace and chiffon pieces that are oh-so-summery.  Oh, and the gorgeous print bikini that I wish I can afford.  Yeah, that’s the thing–I’m really loving the new Chocolate now, but I’m still at odds with their pricing as I find them more expensive than our favorite high street labels.  Let’s just say this is closer to Mango than Zara when it comes to price tags.

Though the accessories and some other lovely, sheer tops were much more forgiving.

I totally want this!

Kira finds something she likes

Shen’s addiction…

Foldable shoes

I’ve always been curious about this. Has anyone tried them? What are they like?

Rings! Accessories of my favorite kind.

I’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to have one of those wide-brimmed hats. Summer, please last longer!

I have LOADS of this stuff. Well actually, Noel does, but I’m the one who use them up haha! Not for myself, of course.  Sure, double tape is available at National Bookstore for a fraction of the price, not to mention stickier–but this is a boon to have when you’re in a rush.  They’re pre-cut and so much easier to peel off.  When people are piling up the pressure on you and all you’re hearing are screams of “1 minute left, go go go!”, “10 seconds and we roll!” or “Alex, double time!” then you’ll know what I mean. I’m sorry Best Buy, but peeling you is taking too much time!

An assortment of fashionable goodies

I went home with this blurry beauty.  I used to wear it almost everyday! Well, until I misplaced it recently, har har.  I was told by the attendant that Ms. Finina made this herself, out of some past sale item from the store. Cool!

Who the hell likes wearing metal slugs around her neck?  Me, apparently.

Not from Chocolate, but from Miguel Paolo Celestial of Bosquejo Bazaar.  This is one of my regular favorites, but I had to take it back to Miguel for repairs (see that wire sticking out?).  Even when broken, his stuff still looks good.  He is absolutely the best weirdest-coolest necklace maker in Manila!

If you ever wonder how I survive hectic styling gigs, this is the answer.  I look weird (and yeah, the hair–okay, you found me out, this was taken way back in March and I don’t look like this anymore).  Weird, but comfy. I’ve learned to make peace with flats, they save my life.  Zebra brogues from Shoelogy.  I rely on them so much I’m actually considering buying this exact same pair instead of just washing them.  They look like scraggly zebras, now.

Chocolate Clothing currently holds five brands apart from its in-house one, and each has its own personality:

Sass – the pretty boho with casual pieces that can take you from day to night.

Fate – the “older sister” of Sass, a more mature brand that focuses on comfort, high quality materials, fun appliques and fine finishes.

Grab – the urban artist with the best fitting bottoms

Aztec Rose –beautiful resort wear from flattering swimwear you’ll need for our country’s long, hot summer days to sexy chalet wear, a light winter range that can keep you stylishly comfortable during the cooler months of the year

Lolitta – tough luxe, body hugging silhouettes. Mighty arsenal for every woman’s closet.

 

As I said, I am definitely all for the new and improved Chocolate–here’s to hoping they become more affordable soon!  As much as I love Topshop, Mango, Zara and Forever21, so does everybody else–we need a breath of fresh air.  More options.  Or a box of chocolates.

These new models for Chocolate Clothing are oozing je nais se quoi, check em out and tell me you don’t want to be that Kate Moss-y:

Video uploaded by Kira.

Models: Ornusa Cadness, Sanya Smith, Michelle Pamintuan, Rachel Tan, Halley Chiapazzi
Created by: Samantha Maristela & Karla Zulueta
Cinematographer: AJ Almario

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