The quick rise of Internet use in the past three years gave ambitious and style-savvy individuals a great opportunity to  make a dream come true. With the Internet, they can easily let the world know that they have something special to offer - be it their unique fashion sense, beauty finds, or products that they designed and had made locally. For the latter, there are three brands that I really admire: Anthology, Frannie & Vinnie, and Gold Dot.

Anthology

This brand is best known for offering real leather shoes that are comfortable and versatile - in short, the cool, laid-back chick's absolute must-have. They have a new collection which I just saw on Twitter this morning. It's a collaboration with Team Manila featuring canvas flats with graphic prints. I find the collection a fresher, less trying-hard take on "fashionalism".

I think about shoes all the time. That's only fair though, since that's a job requirement from where I am. Haha. So, one of the shoes at the top of my mind lately is the Carmie Mary Jane Pumps from Gold Dot. I LOVE the look, very similar to the platform/heel shape of the iconic Jeffrey Campbell Lita shoes. 

Downside: these cost P3,000 a pop. They're quite unique and they look comfortable to me

My life is SO much easier with a tripod. I used to take all my outfit photos by balancing my camera on Marco's design books. Amazing how I never seriously considered a 500-peso contraption of metal and plastic - until now, that is! Anyway, I just want to share the outfit I wore last Saturday. I know, I know, I look and feel like a secretary. I don't mind.

Thrifted blouse/ Bayo trousers/ SM braided belt/ Charles & Keith loafers

Also wanted to show you guys the Gold Dot shoes I bought last week. It was my size, but the strap wouldn't close properly because it's too short. Bummer.

I just saw Kookie Buhain blog about these boots. Want so bad! Major shoe lust here! Whoever is handling Gold Dot is doing a fantastic job. I remember seeing Bestie tote a Gold Dot envelope bag once that also got me drooling.

I see them with socks, pleated skirts, loose shirts, polos - all in autumn colors. Now I know that the clogs trend has been rehashed to death, but I like this particular combination of laced boots and gold studs over a leather lining. These shoes have a tough look about them, but not so tough as to lose that element of femininity.