Of Old Seams

November 30th, 2012 by risa
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Trained in the art of repair, my choices in art, fashion and decor have always favored anything “upcycled”. And it seems like it isn’t for DIY geeks like me or the hard-core environmentalist anymore.

Watch a Project Runway episode and you’ll see designers rescuing dumpster materials to create couture designs. The blogosphere is now home to Etsy shops and DIY bloggers who teach and sell their kitschy merchandise. Vintage stores and  thrift shops are now sourced for fashion canvasses that can be transformed into unique pieces.  It’s the time for mash-ups, after all. Hi, NKOTBSB!

The idea is simple: take old, unwanted items and repurpose them into something better, something more covetable. It adds to the street cred of the person wearing it too, as if the dip-dyed purse made from shower curtains says something about her unique personality.

Plueys caught on this trend too, somehow. We salvaged rain boots and turned them into luggage tags sporting your signature Plueys prints — Catstooth, Match Point, Tokyo Rain, Oooh La Lace, Origami Me, Go Fish, Puppy Love, Sublime and Sugarplum. Use it to identify your bags, entertain the bellboy or simply to join the upcycling movement.

Each luggage tag costs only PHP250. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season!

So, get on it and jet-set the world in style, with a piece of your favorite rain boots hanging on to your luggage.

Bon voyage!

Risa

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Little sis Risa (big sis is Esel, founder of Ready For Rain) is a publisher on weekdays and a Do-It-Yourself crafter on weekends. 

A lover of vintage, sparkles and statement accessories, her custom-made hair accessories add an exclamation point (or two!) to a bride’s wish list or the girly-girl’s wardrobe. More of her thoughts and works here.

Posted in What's New?

Waterproof

November 24th, 2012 by risa
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Manila weather is as unpredictable as a woman on PMS. One day it’s as bright and cheerful as the #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines tourism AVP, and the next it’s as if we need Batman to swoop in our very own dreary Gotham.

Sure, the rain may bring us the rare chance to stay in and snuggle with our boyfriends or catch up with Christian Grey. (Hey, whatever floats your boat.) But this happens rarely, especially during the workweek. Regardless of the forecast, I believe that it’s always important to look your best.

Just in case we get another surprise storm visit, make sure you have your rain essentials with you: closed shoes, rainboots, umbrella, and Trench’d, our house brand of water-resistant raincoats for today’s working woman. The raincoats have a tailored trench coat fit that are lined with fun colors and prints — all of which are perfect to brighten your spirits under cloudy skies. Each Trench’d raincoat comes with double pockets (for keys, pens and knick knacks), a removable belt (for a quick getaway) and a protective hood (for those unexpected rain showers).

Here are some style suggestions that you can wear with your favorite Trench’d.

1. Atten-hut! Brighten up your skinny jeans (camo print optional) with a statement necklace and a splash of hot pink, courtesy of the Hello, Dolly! Trench’d (PHP 1,950).

 

2. Don’t let it rain on your parade! Get comfy and music festival-ready in an oversized knit sweater, flowy skirt and boots with the Quarter To Nine Trench’d (PHP 1,950) in classic black.

3. Tweed leggings never looked this office ready. Wear it with a peplum top, embellished flats and a hint of color with the Sail Away Trench’d (PHP 1,950) on your next coffee run.

Celebrate the rain!

Risa

PS. This is my first blog entry! Talk to you soon!

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Little sis Risa (big sis is Esel, founder of Ready For Rain) is a publisher on weekdays and a Do-It-Yourself crafter on weekends. 

A lover of vintage, sparkles and statement accessories, her custom-made hair accessories add an exclamation point (or two!) to a bride’s wish list or the girly-girl’s wardrobe. More of her thoughts and works here.

Posted in Inspiration, What's New?

Lookbook 2011: Something Old is Our Something New

December 4th, 2011 by admin
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Hi everyone!

Remember our resident stylist Jill? It’s been awhile since she last styled for Plueys here, but we asked her to come in and style for our newest collection! We’re more than pleased with the outcome! This year’s theme revolved around mixing prints and we’re excited to show you a couple of our looks from the shoot over the next few weeks. Here’s one of our favorites featuring our Spade rain boot:

We asked Jill to share how she envisioned the shoot:
“My inspiration for this year’s lookbook really came from the boots themselves. Plueys and ReadyforRain are known for their unique, quirky prints and what better way to celebrate this than by pairing them with other prints?

I find some people are hesitant on wearing rain boots because they don’t know what they can “go with.” But it’s all about finding a common factor in the prints whether it’s a color theme (e.g. black and white) or certain pattern (e.g. dots), and rocking it with a confident attitude.”

For our Spade boot, Jill chose a counterintuitive floral print to juxtapose against the preppy stripes.

Spade Look

We’ll be talking about our inspiration for the other looks in succeeding posts so watch out for those!

For more of everyday style inspiration, you can visit Jill’s blog at Plenty to Wear :)
Posted in Inspiration, Stylist's Closet

Taking care of your boots, for cheap!

March 1st, 2011 by admin
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With the advent of Groupon, Dealgrocer, Awesome.ph, Belle De Jour, I can’t help but be in a shopping frenzy. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of knowing you paid less than SRP.

With all my online work, I have a preference for online shopping versus going to malls. If not for a visit to Hyphy’s in Galleria (Chef Bruce’s restaurant), I wouldn’t have entered the holy grail of discounts— SAIZEN!!!

I was so excited with all the knick knacks and random things I could buy for only 85php each!!! I probably spent half an hour (or maybe more) scouring the racks… only to find some really awesome things. I must admit my heart skipped a beat when I found “rain” merchandise. I found 2 boot storage solutions and a boot keeper!

 

An important care tip for rainboots is that they have to be stored away from sunlight. Sunlight tends to discolor rubber through time, making it appear yellowish. So this 85php solution is perfect – a beige fabric bag that has a partition for each foot to avoid scratches. This is perfect for people who only have a pair of rainboots who plan to store it during off-rain season. This bag makes the boots easy to transport as well.

 

For those welly lovers who have more than a pair of rainboots, this next boot storage solution is perfect. The front is clear so you can see the design of the boot. Note that this type of storage is best inside your closet since it still exposes the boot to sunlight! I got the blue one, although I did notice a pink one was available as well. Total damage for closet clarity – 85php each. As opposed to Jileon welly bags that sell for 500php+ without shipping from the UK! Although those are cute too!

 

The most interesting item I found was called the “boot keeper”. I noticed that as time passes (let’s say after 3 years), rubber begins to soften with use and sun exposure. The boot keeper allows the boot to retain its shape. Get ready to blow some air though because these are inflatables!

without the boot keeper, the old pair loses its shape

the boot keeper allows the rubber to form a shape

inflatables! get ready to blow!

I’m pretty sure there are more interesting home improvement/storage items to be found in Daiso/Saizen, but I had to pull away as my cart was starting to fill up! What was your greatest buy from Saizen?

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Posted in Just Saying Hi

Rain and other bugs

January 26th, 2011 by esel
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Although I love the rain, it does bring about a lot of undesirables when you’re unprepared. Apart from soaked shoes and socks, there’s the constant fear of  cough, colds, flu and…mosquito bites!

Putting insect repellent regularly has never been a habit for me. I normally only remember to do so when I’m going on an outdoorsy trip or an overnighter in an unfamiliar place.

It was only recently when I decided to put on repellent more regularly when one of my friends introduced GUARD to me. Guard is the opposite of everything I hated in an insect repellent.

The smell: how I hate smelling like a chem lab! Probably one of the major reasons why I “forget” to put insect repellent on. Guard is surprisingly fresh-smelling— it won me over with its powder scent!

The feel: Another much welcome improvement of Guard is how easily it goes on skin! I None of that oily or greasy feel.

Of course, more than these, I am happy to note that I am insect-bite-free everyday!

Love, Esel

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Posted in Just Saying Hi

come to the Harvest Festival!

November 23rd, 2010 by admin
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ReadyForRain.com is excited to take part in the very first HARVEST FESTIVAL organized by and to be held at Nullah, a home and fashion store.

Plueys joins the 2010 Harvest Festival at Nullah!

Plueys joins the 2010 Harvest Festival at Nullah!

This weekend bazaar will showcase Asian-inspired, Filipino-made or eco-friendly merchandise from the 26th to the 28th of November 2010 from 11.00AM to 8.00PM daily.

2010 Harvest Festival

2010 Harvest Festival

By definition, “Harvest” is the consequence of an effort or activity to reap and gather natural products. Nullah’s Harvest Festival will definitely be gathering an interesting and eclectic mix of Asian-inspired or proudly Filipino-made and environmentally-friendly products from various vendors such as Scents & Sensibilities home fragrances, Ocean-Minded eco-friendly apparel, Dyario Manila the latest news in bags, Too Good People t-shirts, Art of Gold home fashion, Danilo Franco designer pieces, Polka Tots children’s wear, Bella Bimbi body splashes and lotions, Dub Jewelry upcycled accessories, Zeal protective eyewear, ReadyforRain and Plueys printed rainboots and rain gear, Fanatic Boards windsurf and stand up paddle boards, Beach Babe in the City beach bombshell scents, Whipped Tee Couture repurposed stylized outfits, Jacinto & Lirio bags fashioned from water lilies, Butterfly Twists clever little soles and many more.

Shopping at Nullah has always been an experience in itself. A few minutes within this jewel of a boutique, you will find yourself slowing down from the frenetic pace of the city. This is the calming environment we would like to maintain for our customers, a relaxing shopping haven, an escape from the retail madness that is typical during this time of the year.

Nullah’s Harvest Festival 2010
Nov. 26, 27 & 28, 11AM – 8PM daily
122 Jupiter Street
Bel Air, Makati City
+632.898.1559; +63915.342.1575
You may visit www.nullahonline.com or www.nullahasian.multiply.com or visit our facebook page for more updates.

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Posted in Store Partners

boys, it’s your time to shiiiine! :)

November 23rd, 2010 by admin
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since we began this business, we’ve always been asked, “when will you have something for guys?” and now we do! so for the boys out there who have been lurking and hoping for more masculine wet weather footwear, check out our selection of galoshes. :)

Tingley Men's Executive

Tingley Men's Executive

galoshes are extremely flexible and durable high grade rubber overshoes that you put OVER your shoes (dress shoes, leather shoes, rubber shoes, whatever type of shoes!) to protect from rain and the elements.

you can show off your leather with Commuters, which you can easily slip on over your dress shoes so you step out in waterproof style. these are perfect for you if you happen to brave a lot of puddles on your commute to work. they are non-bulky and completely slip-proof and water-resistant, not to mention, these galoshes are so comfortable and flexible, it’s a cinch riding a bike in them! :) Available in men’s small, medium and large sizes for Php999 inclusive of shipping. :)

if you feel like you need more protection, the Executive might be your best bet. running up to your ankle, it’s like a full-on suit for your shoes, with side zips that make it easy for you to slip them on. again, it works with whatever type of shoes you’re in, whether rubber shoes or leather, put these on and achieve instant polished classic style, with plus points for being waterproof!

upon arriving indoors, you can just slip off your galoshes and lightly rinse them with water and wipe dry before you pack them away. fold them up or roll them up, stash them in your car or in your work bag so you’re ready for the the next rainy day! :)

Tingley Men's Executive

Tingley Men's Executive

these are just two out of 4 styles available for boys, so we hope you can take some time to browse our selection of galoshes at www.readyforrain.com! :)

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Posted in What's New?

check out our specials! :)

November 19th, 2010 by admin
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Rain boot production is largely a handmade process

Rain boot production is largely a handmade process

Almost 70 years ago, the tradition of rubber boot making began. Boot making is a lengthy hand-made process; a different person is responsible every step of the way. One person prepares the rubber, one person creates the mold, another person shapes the rubber into the mold, another person attaches the buckle, yet another person attaches the sole, and another person finishes the rubber with gloss. As a final step, one last person tests the rubber boot to ensure that it is waterproof.

Whew! So much work goes into producing a piece of reliable waterproof footwear! The reality is that over a hundred people have a hand in making a single rain boot.

Today, the story isn’t completely different. Rubber rain boot production, whether printed or not, still takes a lot of hard work and attention to detail. Each piece really is a handmade work of art; no two printed rainboots are exactly the same!

At Readyforrain.com, we do extensive checks to ensure that the rainboots you do purchase from us are gloriously beautiful and live up to our waterproof standards.

minor scuffs on Catstooth sole

minor scuffs on Catstooth sole

Several rainboots which we have found to have very minor imperfections (featherlight scratches, barely noticeable scuffs, tiny misprints, folds that disappear when worn)–which are actually expected and not entirely avoidable given the multiple steps in rain boot production–are now marked as RED TAG in our online store. We think these irregularities are character-adding and are just added proof that our rainboots are truly lovingly handmade–this makes us want to make sure they are all put to good use!

So if you’re not particularly sensitive to these minor imperfections and want to have rainboots that still work well to keep you dry from the rain, this is your chance to score a pair. RED TAG items are deeply discounted and ship for free, only while supplies last. Visit www.readyforrain.com and place an order today.

*No refunds on already deeply discounted red tag items; all sales are final.

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Posted in Promos

back to where we began

August 11th, 2010 by admin
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Plueys, now in Rockwell!

Plueys, now in Rockwell!

Rockwell will always have a special place in our hearts because three years ago, Rockwell was witness to our humble beginnings – we officially launched Plueys at the Rockwell Urban Bazaar! :) Three years later, Plueys is back in Rockwell, this time available through Madison, a one of a kind boutique at R2, Archeology Wing. At Madison, they have quirky funky finds you won’t see just anywhere, including pieces from cult brands like Repetto and independent labels like Odd Molly. This month, Plueys officially joins Madison’s roster of up and coming international brands. If you’re ever at Power Plant, we’re sure you won’t miss it – our beautiful Plueys currently grace their window! It’s our first ever window display, too! :)

Madison at Level R2, Archeology Wing

Madison at Level R2, Archeology Wing

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Posted in Store Partners

As timeless as ms. hepburn

August 9th, 2010 by admin
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Safe dresser? Audrey rainskimmers are perfect for you!

They’re classy without being boring- just enough quirkiness without being too obvious :)

I’ve created two easy looks for Audreys- one for dates and another one for everyday errands.

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For the first look, I simply paired a girly lace top with black leggings. sweet, comfy and perfect for a lunch date on a lazy Saturday. Add a few pearls and Voila! instant class with minimal effort :)

Black is basic but basic doesn’t need to be black.
Since the skimmers are such classic pieces, don’t be afraid to use pops of color. Here’s what I’ll be wearing on my way to the gym.

Celebrate the Rain!
Jill

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Posted in Stylist's Closet
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