Hard-to-find fashion gems

I wish there would be more specialized stores that are in the streets and not in malls," opines Ines Delgado, the mom of Malate’s fashion baby Itsie-Bitsie, on the current retail landscape. Just a year or so ago Itsie-Bitsie opened its doors to a not-so-itsie-bitsie assortment of hard-to-find fashion gems. From the Bettina Liano jeans that were snapped up in a matter of days to the Sta. Maria Nouvella potpourri that had to just be the scent of your closet – Itsie-Bitsie has gone a long way and it comes as no surprise.

Some of the new labels that are available in Itsie-Bitsie are Bachata by Odabash and Letarte swimwear, Balamani, Graham Kandiah and Muriel Brandolini for resort wear, Catherine Malandrino, Habitual Jeans, Jill Stuart, Joie, Velvet Tees and Michael Stars tees for men and women as well as Vilebrequin swimwear from St. Tropez for men. They continue to carry Itsie-Btsie’s favorites such as Zimmermann, Three Dots, Bonds, Christiane Celle for Calypso, Sass & Bide, Tigerlily, Vanessa Bruno, Shona Joy and Paper Denim & Cloth.

The Vilbrequins most especially were done with in a matter of days. The trunks that "never go on sale," as Ines loves to describe them, were the beachwear of choice of the hottest booties this season. It used to be a trip to St. Tropez but now it’s a matter of turning to the right side of Adriatico to score some of the hottest and more elusive fashion finds.

After a well-received fashion show a few months ago, Ines opened her steaming hot Pandora’s box of goodies that will once again leave our cards happily overdrawn (I can attest). Her secret is pretty simple: Give ’em something they can’t get anywhere else! "I looked for labels and brands that are very exclusive and sought-after for their quality, taste and uniqueness. I want every item in the store to be something special so that each and every customer will stand out with whatever they buy. The merchandise has to be trendy but at the same time, it has to transcend seasons. I also looked for items that are understated in glamour and are feminine and fun," Ines reveals.

Fashion fiends itching in last season’s knee lengths and bondage gear can look forward to a more easy-going look as Ines’ fashion forecast says to "watch out for cargo pants in many styles and renditions. The mini skirts done in different fabrics, and beautiful, shiny, luminous evening tops. For the season, some of the essentials are the Joie cargo pants, the Balamani Kurtas, Habitual Jeans, Michael Stars tees and for evening, the Catherine Malandrino tops."

For Ines, the Itsie-Bitsie girl can be summed up in a few words, "She’s chic and has a great authentic appreciation for good fashion, design and detail."