Summer essentials for him and her

It feels like summer at Adora, where, instead of the usual beach-y window display, you’ll find flowers blooming everywhere, even on mannequins’ heads.  Huh? 

Though Adora’s mantra is “Everyday wonders,” their thinking is more “wonder” than “everyday.”  In typical out-of-the-box style, summer at Adora means clusters of tropical flowers on display throughout the store, but not in vases or jars.  Try headpieces individually crafted for each mannequin.

The profusion of floral color is particularly effective at drawing attention to the wares on display, which are perfect for summer.  As a department store, Adora is a one-stop shop for all your summer needs, whether it be a cool new outfit, travel bag or fragrance that’ll keep you smelling fresh and clean.  Here’s a list that will help you get through this hottest of seasons in style.

Must-haves for women

Summer dresses and separates – Who can survive summer without cool clothing in light fabrics? Read: summer dresses, sleeveless tops, shorts, and flippy miniskirts are pretty much all I live in when it’s sizzling outside. The summer 2014 collection of Adora’s label Jaspal Woman offers all these pieces in this season’s trendy floral prints.

Jaspal’s denim shorts aren’t just blue anymore but come appliquéd or in bright washes and graphic prints.  They’re not too hard on the budget, either, at P1,650.  If I’m forced to wear pants I usually resort to loose harems, but legging fanatics should check out the Dr. Denim leggings at Adora.

Daytime shoes – In summer beach sandals are a must, as well as a great pair of flats.  Adora brands Schutz and What For offer great styles to choose from.  The latest collection of What For, in particular, is modern and boldly geometric, with Perspex heels, tonal studs on leather and ankle wraps.

Evening sandals – The brands Schutz and Stella Luna both offer the indomitable wedge suitable for both day and night wear, with cork platforms and wild animal prints available. Peep-toe pumps are another appealing option in different heel heights, from the more kittenish heels in glorious tropical hues like teal to sexy stiletto platforms.

Sunglasses – At Ray-Ban’s shop-in-shop in Adora, the iconic Wayfarer gets a summery twist with sugary shades in the new Ice Pop collection, which has a tone-on-tone trend going on, meaning translucent frames enclosing lenses in citrus, strawberry, blueberry, mint and grape.

Lip balm – Malin + Goetz lip moisturizer has many rabid fans who’ve been converted after one try.  Maybe it’s the scientific formula of absorbent fatty acids that nourish upon impact while offering a continual layer of hydrating protection.  Even unrepentant lip lickers will be protected from chapping.

Luminous skin color – During summer you want a bit of coverage but don’t want a face full of thick, melting foundation.  Solution? There are tinted moisturizers, and then there’s Becca’s Luminous Skin Color, which is a primer, tinted moisturizer, and sunblock in one. Aside from being an effective multi-tasker, it also gives you a dewy, I’m-just-back-from-vacation glow.

Lip and cheek tint – Another clever Becca product is the bestselling Beach Tint, a water-resistant cream in a tube in flattering colors and “flavors” like Raspberry, Watermelon and Grapefruit that you can blend on both your cheeks and lips for a natural-looking flush.

 Fresh fragrance – Penhaligon’s Anthology Collection is a range of classics updated for the modern age, and features refreshing picks like Eau de Verveine, created in 1949 as a grassy, aromatic verbena scent with citrus and woods.  Today it evokes a shimmering heat haze with soft metallics, crumbled herbs, spices, musk, vanilla and hints of rain.

Another is Extract of Limes — a subtle, uplifting citrus of sherbet and blossom honey with West Indian lime, lemon oil and neroli.

Must-haves for men

Polo shirt – The quality center of Spanish brand Florentino is equipped with innovative technologies and automation, including a transport system that allows the company to produce and distribute over a million garments each year all over the world. The result? Colorful polos in the highest-quality fabrics, with a special attention to detail.

Button downs, shorts and summer jacket – Jaspal Man is Adora’s go-to brand for menswear. On offer are classic button-down shirts suitable for summer evenings, as well as interesting long Indian-inspired shirts in cool sherbet colors.  Complete your summer wardrobe with Bermuda shorts, a summer blazer or denim jacket from Jaspal Man or Florentino.

The weekend bag – The water-resistant Weekender from the brand Qwstion is designed to be your faithful buddy in any situation, whether you take it to the gym, on a weekend trip, to work, or on a flight. The integrated main compartment contains a 17-inch neoprene laptop sleeve. If you take out the built-in shoulder straps, it transforms into a backpack. With a quick-access bottle pocket, removable shoe bag and five pockets, this versatile bag is made to adapt to your life quickly and effortlessly.

Shades – For guys, Ray Ban’s Flash Lens aviators are both practical and fashionable. Mirrored, retro sunglasses are still stylish today, hence these retro-inspired specs for men and women. The Full Color aviators are circled with colored acetate and tone-on-tone gradient crystal lenses, which give the classic aviator shape a new, younger look. You can pair them with your denims for a daytime look or a tailored outfit for a more polished air.

Toiletry kit – A favorite in gyms, spas, salons and hip hotels abroad, Malin + Goetz’s Essential Kit contains all their bestsellers for face, body and hair: Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, Bergamot Body Cleanser, Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer, Peppermint Shampoo and Cilantro Conditioner — great for guys on the go.

Slim pants – For evening or less casual occasions, Swedish brand Dr. Denim fits the bill. Their philosophy is that denim isn’t just a fabric but a science and canvas for creativity. Dr. Denim interprets denim in a modern way while still keeping the perfect fit, feel and look of the traditional fabric.

Summer shoes – Stella Luna Men offers comfy sandals, fashion sneakers, and driving shoes in styles from topsider to classic loafers. Made of soft, tumbled leather, most Stella Luna Men shoes boast hand stitching around the soles and the toe. Take note of the black and white loafers and slip-on in leopard print.

Cologne – Try Penhaligon’s Eau de Cologne, a classic citrus scent made unique by whiffs of powdered orange and aromatic rosemary.  Originally created in 1927, it’s been resurrected as part of Penhaligon’s 2010 Anthology Collection but still resonates with nostalgia for the Jazz Age and its glittering bon vivants.

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All summer essentials are available only at Adora, 2/F Greenbelt 5, Makati. Photos by THERESE JAMORA-GARCEAU