This makes you want to wish that seasons should come with instruction manuals -

which STYLECEBU perhaps promises to be one. Say, SUMMER is just a season away…

…you wouldn’t want to be caught guilty of donning a 2007 Trenchcoat that’s on sale

at one of Cebu’s famous boutiques while catty as it may seem - SAY HELLO TO TOPSHOP’s Spring - Summer Collection of 2008.

JET SET

High waisted dresses with sailor stripes; Tea dresses mixed with more fluid chiffons; Silk tie-neck blouses with waterfall frills and draw-string Ts with rope prints; Boxy jackets paired with blue crisp white high-waisted jeans and stirrup trousers

The whole look says carefree and how old do you think I am moments. My favorite? The boxy jackets! Dark, contrasting trims and vivid intarsia knits for weight and texture is essentially key with headscarves slung around the neck. I’ve always loved intarsia and this knitting technique – although the layering might be too hot for summer – brings out intricate patterns that work well with striped pumps and chunky round sunglasses.

BOHO TECH

Dip and tie-dyed pieces with an ethnic feel layered over colorful jersey sportswear; waistcoats; shrunken jackets over voluminous khaki, pink and deep purple tie-dyed kaftans; beach jersey mini dresses in pale corals; digital Aztec print accessories; Ts embellished; tunics with deep arm holes;

The BOHO look is yes, for summer, but can easily be worn under any light occasions. You can be seen with fringes, beads or leather strapping on your footsies.

IRIS

Vintage inspired delicate prints and dresses of the 1940s to the 70s graphic prints; varying scales of florescent florals on dark high waisted tea dresses with softly puffed sleeves; ra ra skirts with multi-layered frills, and bow fastenings;

The Iris look works well on both seasons. It screams FEMININE and GIRLY and you just can’t help but trot your way to meadows and sing Acel’s Love You So – as my friend, Fedz, is fond of doing in her dreams. These pretty tops and skirts in muti-layered frills is toughened by black trims and black patent detailing. Bandeau dresses are key if lifted by sherbet colors. Pistachios! Aubergines! Tangerines! Lovely, isn’t it?

How to wear them: paint box sunglasses, round toe tap shoe and punched leather wedges mix with natural leather satchels. Topshop CEBU is located at Ayala Center, Ground floor.