Fashion: Ensembles Sultry Summer interview with Carmina Villaroel | Muñiz Shoe Designer

Here is the latest one on one interview with Ensembles celebrity endorser and ultra fashionista, Carmina Villaroel. I didn't know she was a shoe designer until that local TV commercial revealed. Carmina has and successfully, blossomed into a fashion icon that can give any model a run for their money.


Carmina models for her own shoe line

Personally, I love her sophisticated, high-fashion, and age-appropriate style. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Ensembles only until Carmina became their endorser.

What was the experience like for your photoshoot for Ensembles Summer 2011 Campaign? Are you enjoying your new tanned look? As always, I had fun during the shoot. I always look forward to our photo shoots. I love working with my dream team- Mark Nicdao, Robbie P. and Pam Quinones. I love what Pam did to me for the summer look. Fab tan!


Ensembles Sultry Summer Collection

Since you have very fair skin, has it been hard to maintain your skin and keep it healthy-looking during summer? Oh yes, I always take good care of my skin and try to have that sun-kissed look but with my skin tone, it can be difficult to maintain a tan. Back in high school, I attempted to get a tan when I went to Boracay but I failed. I just looked like a lobster. My skin turned red and got sun burned.



What are your thoughts on Ensembles Sultry Summer 2011 collection? I’m a big fan of vibrant, bold colors! I love the entire collection. My super fave is the one-shouldered coral dress I wore during our shoot.


What are your personal styles and favorite outfits during summer season? During summer I love wearing shorts, comfy shirts, tank top, sun dress, flowing skirts, sandals and flip flops.


What are your summer plans for this year? Hopefully, to go on vacation with my whole family either here to Cebu or Bohol or travel overseas.


We keep getting good feedbacks on the Muñiz Shoes! How is it working with Ensembles for your Muñiz shoe line? And what was the experience like for you to personally visit each store to arrange the shoe display? I was so thrilled when Ensembles agreed to put my shoes at their store. I was so excited to fix and arrange my shoes. It’s a dream come true for me to see my shoes finally at the mall. I'm thankful to those who bought my shoes already. My Ensembles family was so supportive of my business-Muñiz shoes. I appreciate all the help they have provided.


Do you plan to make your shoes available to more Ensembles stores? Yes. I will definitely make Muñiz shoes available to other Ensembles stores. Due to a lot of requests, we will also showcase them at Robinson’s Ermita and SM Megamall.

Shopping: SALE Alert | Penshoppe, Freeway, Solo, and Ensembles

Here's wishing that you still have some shopping money left from the holidays. If there are holiday sales, then there too are post-holiday ones! SM sings shopping shopping shopping.



First off is Penshoppe with the Great Penshoppe Sale. From January 3 to 15, 2011. Tis' the perfect time to get a good fitting pair of jeans from their boutiques.



Next are the shops from Elite Garments: Freeway, Solo, and Ensembles. Though their sale started December 2010, they are still running on red tags.

Now work hard my dear minions and earn your shopping money! :)

Fashion: Louis Claparols x Ensembles

No need to go to Maarni's room now when Louis Claparols has collaborated with Ensembles. Collaborations make me happy, one, because it makes designers more accessible to a normal human being like me. Second, collaborations in RTW are much more affordable!

Yet, I'd love to look snobbishly fashionable in these (and channel Victoria in Magkaribal!)



Right now, I am loving jackets and/or overcoats. The more oversized the better! This would look nice with the usual short dress. If you don't know yet, boleros are one of Louis Claparols' strengths and a handful of celebs have walked the red carpet wearing them.

Take a cue from Mama Carmina on how to wear RTW like haute.

The Louis Claparols holiday collection is obviously retro inspired, retro-sexy I must say. Perfect for the joyful Christmas season but not so much as you would look like a Christmas ball.



The patterns remind me of Austin Powers' girls and Barbie dolls wearing bright intricately designed clothes. Speaking of barbs, look at how Louis Claparols made these Barbies work their sequins.



Now you can work Louis Claparols straight from the racks of Ensembles, visit their website for more information - http://www.ensembles.com.ph/

Ensembles Summer Collection 2010

It’s the time of year again when all we think about is packing our bags and heading to warm weather summer destinations. But also, what to wear is the big question at the back of our heads. For summer, it is great to have something light, comfy, sexy but sophisticated pieces in our closets.



Look at ENSEMBLES Summer Collection featuring sleek sophistication and comfort. The collection features light textured fabrics with matching summer bathing suits. Highlighted in this collection are beautifully cut dresses, bathing suits and cover-ups perfect to make statement in any vacation destination.



To see the collection, visit Ensembles website at: www.ensembles.com.ph

Style Scene: At The Row

Melvin Tugade, Ali Melquiades, Sheila Panelo, Carissa Torres-Cruz and Mo Twister

The newest shopping destination - Glorietta 5 now houses a new concept store called The Row. The Row combines all of the hippest local fashion brands like Ensembles, Freeway, and Solo. This is also where you find all the fashionistas huddling together.


Noelle, Mo, and Giselle Toengi


Jocas De Leon and Ninin Sampiano


Rene, Bernice, and Nikki


Me and Kael