Gingersnaps Turns 20 + Gingersnaps Kids Model Search!

Beloved homegrown children's label Gingersnaps turns 20 this year, can you imagine? 

Actually, I can. My sister Nicole who is 24 now wore a lot of Gingersnaps when she was a little girl. Since I am 13 years older, I was tasked to bring her shopping whenever she needed new clothes and we'd always find something nice at Gingersnaps.

In fact, I have saved a delicate eyelet top by Gingersnaps from when she was 12, because it was too pretty to give away. Even with Nicole all grown up, I still loved buying at Gingersnaps for birthday presents and such. It's legit to say we have been fans of Gingersnaps for 20 years actually!

Fast forward to when I had Berry, and it was a no brainer that we shop at Gingersnaps. The designs are chic and age-appropriate. They use the daintiest prints. The fabrics are soft and presko, the colors always look mabango, the trimmings are tasteful. Gingersnaps allows kids to be kids, doing all their active kiddie activities, but dressed stylishly and comfortably.

Berry wearing a top from Gingersnaps, pants from Joe Fresh and Yosi Samra Kids flats

Gingersnaps romper

Gingersnaps t-shirt, Gap skinny jeans, Salt-water sandals. Dress hanging on Berry is Gingersnaps

identical Gingersnaps dresses, haha

Berry with Cai's Yukie, both wearing Gingersnaps jumpsuits

Xavi wearing Gingersnaps trousers with a Ralph Lauren shirt

Sailing in a Gingersnaps t-shirt with Gymboree shorts 

Gingersnaps colored trousers (Xavi has these trousers in all colors actually!), Carter's onesie

Gingersnaps shirt & shorts 

I have always wanted to meet the brains behind Gingersnaps because I am a seriously huge fan. Apart from the pretty, timeless clothes, I love how they merchandise the store. I am also at awe with how they grew the brand from a department store stall to a world class children's label with presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

So when I finally, finally met Gingersnaps Founder and Chief Designer Sabrina Uy (her sister-in-law Sherry Yu, who also happens to be Gingersnaps Marketing Manager, arranged a cozy meet, greet and eat lunch together with them and my mommy friends at Myron's back in July) it was like meeting a rockstar! I had so many questions for her, and as she told us the Gingersnaps story and explained the thought and care that goes in choosing fabrics and designing the clothes, it was like a validation of why I love Gingersnaps.

I am pretty sure I am not the only mom who is fanatical about Gingersnaps. My friends are too. I am sure, if you are a mom or a doting aunt or ninang, you are too! So that's why I am also sharing with you that Gingersnaps is looking for Gingersnaps Kids who will be part of their store collaterals, lookbooks, website, even billboards!

For more details, visit the official Gingersnaps Kids Model Search website, HERE. Entries are accepted until November 10, 2013.

And with that, I also want to let you know that Gingersnaps is having a sale at their stores until October 16! I also leave you with these looks from their current collection. Maybe next season, your little star will be modeling in their place, heehee... 

Happy 20th Birthday, Gingersnaps!

via Happy Pencil Shop on Etsy.com

 
For more on Gingersnaps, visit their website and like them on Facebook 

Preview, June 2012

Did you get the current issue of Preview na? It's major - it's the 17th Anniversary issue!  My fellow Radar alumna Kissa Castaneda, who is Lifestyle Editor for the magazine, asked me to write a story on navigators for the TechTalk section. My first ever article for Preview. Thought I'd share this with you :)

The June 2012 issue of Preview is available now at magazine stands all over! ;)

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: 5 Php5,000 GCs from Religioso & Studio 546

We have covered satchels, sheets, family and nursing mom essentials, as well as shirts for the kiddos. But we are a fashion blog after all, so we have to have something that's fashion and beauty related, right?

Well, here's what's up! Consider Yvette Ilagan of Religioso and Studio 546 your fairy godmother! For this giveaway, we are giving away 3 Php5,000 GCs from Religioso (the label known for classic designs with a flourish, which Yvette designs with her sister Choc)...

...and 2 Php5,000 GCs from Studio 546 (at Level 5 of Shangri-La Plaza Mall).

So you can buy a pretty dress, or prettify yourself, without worrying about the bill. Because we've got it covered! ;)

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the Religioso/Studio 546 Giveaway. If you would like to win a Php5,000 gift certificate to spend on a pretty dress or pamper yourself at the salon, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Religioso, Studio 546 and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- What do you do when you want to reward yourself? Do you shop or go to the salon?
- What's your no fail, feel good outfit?
- What's your favorite salon/spa service?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Religioso/Studio546 Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, it's time to prettify!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once
- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: DwellStudio Duvet Set

Sigh, I swear, if I could afford it, I would dwell in Dwell! And buy all their printed everything!

I used to be a solid colored type when it came to sheets. I would buy organic sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets, 500 thread count sheets, but all in solid colors. Until I saw DwellStudio's Choinoiserie duvet set and I was like, "I have to have that!" Luckily, my friends Gretch & Oliver of Quirks Marketing Philippines brought in DwellStudio to the Philippines so I get first dibs on their sales! Yay! So eventually, my wish came true:

See how nice sheets instantly transformed our bed from IKEA? It's nothing fancy, but it makes an impact. When my mom came over to visit and she saw these, she wanted one too. So as a housewarming present to them, I got my parents the same duvet set for their room and they loved it!

It also helps that the sheets are so soft on the skin. Like I could sleep in them all day. When I see our bed, I just want to jump into it. Dwell is swell.

And like I said, MFO readers are special. How special? 1 lucky reader will be able to outfit her bed with the DwellStudio Hedgerow Persimmon duvet set pictured on top (will fit full/queen size beds)!

Even if you've joined the other giveaways, you are still welcome to enter the DwellStudio Duvet Set Giveaway. If you would like to win the Hedgerow Persimmon duvet set, here's how:

1. Follow @quirksph and myself @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Quirks Marketing Philippines and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- Why would you like to win a DwellStudio Duvet Set?
- What time do you normally sleep? 

- Where do you usually buy your bed sheets and home supplies?

- DwellStudio sheets are the of the stuff that dreams are made on. Because dreams do come true, what dream would you want to make real?

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO DwellStudio Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, I want to dwell in Dwell!"

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once

- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

MFO Anniversary Blog Giveaway: 10 Willow Wraps

My friend Pam loves layering, and dressing up in a palette of gray, black and white. Her label Willow Clothing is a reflection of her style, and she's gained a following from similarly minded girls who appreciate her slouchy chic aesthetic.

Willow Clothing recently released a new collection called Modern Androgyny  which should be coming soon at The Ramp Trinoma, Glorietta and Crossings Shangri-la. But before you head off to check out Willow, Pam and I are giving 10 lucky readers a taste of what Willow is about via the Willow Wrap!

It's a multi-way piece that will bring a lot of mileage to your wardrobe! These come in black, charcoal, heather gray, oatmeal, mocha, dark chocolate, cream, mustard, navy, and aubergine. Pam says, "This is made of lightweight knit that's good for cooler days in Manila or for travel, and can be worn in so many ways."

Even if you've joined the Cambridge Satchel Giveaway, you are still welcome to enter the Willow Wrap Giveaway. If you would like to win a Willow Wrap, here's how:

1. Follow me @cd_mfo on Twitter

2. Like Willow Clothing and Manila Fashion Observer on Facebook

3. Leave a comment* with your Twitter ID & email and share:

- What color of Willow Wrap do you want?
- Where do you like to shop?

- If you had unlimited shopping money, where would you shop?

- Describe your personal style

*If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via private email to me, do all of the above and send an email to manilafashionobserver@gmail.com with the title: MFO Willow Wrap Giveaway and leave a comment on this post saying, "MFO, I want a Willow Wrap!"

**Winners can request what color they want but Willow cannot guarantee that they can get their first choice as it is also subject to stock availability.

***Winners can pick up their prize at The Ramp Glorietta, The Ramp Trinoma, or The Ramp Shangrila so that they can pick the color. Otherwise, Willow can ship anywhere in the Philippines, and the color will be a surprise.

General Rules:
- Shipping within the Philippines only
- Giveaway is for the whole month of August 2011
- Giveaway closes on 11:59 pm on August 31, 2011
- Winner will be announced by 1st week of September on MFO and via private e-mail
- Anyone can enter for a chance to win any of the Anniversary Blog Giveaway prizes, but can only win once

- No need to send multiple comments or emails per Anniversary Blog Giveaway prize. One entry per prize is sufficient

MFO Turns FIVE!

Well, in two weeks and I have a PERSONAL blog giveaway in the works ;) (Thank goodness the folks at DTI are more practical and rational about these things, unlike some self-styled "experts" and advocates diba?) 

Just my way of thanking you for reading my blog all these years (or months, or days, if you just happened to discover little old moi's site. Which begs the question, where have you been hiding? Just kidding! LOL!).

I have rounded up a couple of my favorite things with the help of my friends, so this is going to be a whole lot of fun for all. Whether you are single, engaged, newly wed, married for years, a new mom, or mom to a brood, you will find something you will like in my giveaway, so I hope you will join! =) 

Here's a preliminary list of my favorite things to be raffled off to my readers in 5,4,3,2...1:

5 Cambridge Satchels - in various sizes

4 Secret Items, to be disclosed in time...(para exciting!)

3 toddler/baby gift packs (which includes 2 bottles of Grandma's Secret Spot Remover, 2 BugBands, 1 bottle of Vapor Soove for a total of 5 items to commemorate 5 years)

Php2,000 GC from MYTH, enough to buy you a little something nice from the purveyor of world class Filipino designs

and drum roll please, 1 DwellStudio queen duvet set! This Hedgerow Persimmon design in particular:

Happy no?! 

I will tell you more about these products and why I love, love, love, love, love them, in posts to come. Of course, watch out for the mechanics on how you may win these prizes. Will be posting it here soon! ;)

MFO Turns Two! We've Come A Long Way Baby!

Happy Birthday T(w)o Us! Yes, MFO turns two today and guess what, yours truly will be going to New York Fashion Week this coming September! Yes, as in actually working the circuit to go to shows and even backstage!!! Well, not to all the shows unfortunately, only the ones that I can get into for now, and can fit in my housewife schedule, hahaha! We can't leave the house dirty and Dear Hubby with nothing to eat right?

Check out the schedule below for a preview of what's to come! (click to enlarge)

Who knows, maybe next season you'll be joining me! Life is full of surprises and writing this blog never fails to surprise and amaze me! Two years ago, I was just sitting on a couch in front of the TV, writing out my thoughts to myself. Yes my audience of one. Fast forward to now and I'm actually taking short courses at FIT, meeting New York fashion industry insiders (from buyers to showroom owners, fashion label executives, sourcing consultants and soon, fashion event organizers!) and enthusiasts (fashion students, professionals looking to a career shift in fashion, etc), visiting showrooms and all that so that I may have something interesting to share with you all! Take my hand and let's look back to my previous posts just to see how far we've come (although the trip really, has just begun)!

AUGUST 17, 2006

Hello! Nice to meet you dahling!

Before anything, let me introduce myself: The Closet Fashionista

I first came across the F word over a decade ago as I was poring through the pages of British Vogue while waiting for my flight out of London Heathrow. It was the summer I turned 18, living on allowance but pretentiously into labels I could not afford, that I lived the life vicariously by buying fashion magazines. (To my parents' middle class sensibilities, it was a puzzle why I was into clothes & the styling life when I was neither socialite nor star. They could not understand my deep interest in fashion and I could offer no explanation.)

At that very instant, while staring at the italicized fonts, I understood why I was different. I belonged to a "cursed" breed, an army of connoisseurs who live for fashion; afflicted with an acute sense when it comes to spotting trends and appreciating details, that the idea of mainstream horrifies them.

Knowing I was a fashionista and coming out of my closet to admit that I was one posed a problem. Growing up in a no-nonsense, frugal home, exhibiting my passion for fashion would make me an obvious target for ridicule. However, I feel I have an obligation to explain the essence of a fashionista, skinny jeans, breezy frocks, oversize bags, dirty linen and all.

The Fashion Foibles

Fashion is an addiction I struggled with, forcing me into suspicious if not bothering behavior: tearing receipts so my mom wouldn't know how much I spent for another pair of shoes, foregoing savings for cult jeans, risking a traffic violation while checking out a lola crossing Kamuning road because I was inspired by her Marc Jacobs meets Prada look, buying a watch just because my style icon Madonna wore one herself, and spending six months of accumulated summers in London during my teen years scouring the streets (read: Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Bond Street), bumming in parks, going to museums, and watching people every day; rather than taking summer courses on finance at the University of London, as my dad had suggested, seriously believing that both activities were equally worthwhile.

Coming to Terms

Writing about this confession came at an opportune time. At best, this is my coming out letter, a published tell all of my fashion faux pas, an admission of a secret life. At the least, I have given my two cents worth on the fashionista phenomenon. This is not just about having the money to buy designer clothes, wearing what's hot or being in the fashion industry per se. As authors Dela Cruz and Robinovitz of The Fashionista Files puts it, it is acknowledging that fashion is a "form of art, self-expression, and a representation of more emotional roots". It is a serious field of study that Holly Brubach, a self-confessed Dedicated Follower of Fashion, likens fashion to architecture.

Simply put, a fashionista is not simply interested in clothes and trendy must-haves; she knows herself and wears clothes to express her history and individuality. Her passion extends to art, culture, and social issues and disproves the impression that her kind has cashmere for brains. A fashionista derives satisfaction in looking and feeling good, but knows that what matters most of all is who she is beyond the stylish clothes.

AUGUST 17, 2007

Birthday Blog! MFO Turns One Today!

Happy Birthday to us! Yup! One year ago today, I put up this blog to keep me busy back home while hubby was in Cambridge, MA taking up further studies in law. It also served as an outlet for me to document my observations and obsessions about stuff I liked, in the hopes that talking about it would satiate my urge to buy it! Which in a way worked! Hehehe! Its just a happy coincidence that in the course of keeping me occupied, it also entertained and informed my fabulous fashionista readers as well! Thanks to you guys, my fixation with fashion doesn't seem so frivolous anymore because I feel so useful when you ask me for advice and request for posts on stuff you'd like me to feature! It also makes me so happy when you tell me you enjoy reading my posts!

Looking back, I never expected that MFO would evolve into what it is now. What started as rambling musings turned into an advice column/recognizable shopping blog. What's best, in one year, I gained a lot of online friends and quite a following across the world! Not bad, not bad at all! I hope you continue to stay with me as I start a new chapter and a new year for this blog! Because I can guarantee you that there are more exciting things to come! I just know!

As I look out the window now to a fantastic view of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline from our apartment, I advise you to gear up for a fun ride because I'm taking you with me on another adventure as we take on the streets of Manhattan --Fifth and Seventh Avenues especially!

That is, when I'm not running errands or cleaning house! Hahaha!

Well, I'm still running errands and cleaning house, but true enough, my days have become very exciting indeed! At least now I get to do the things I would just read and write about before! And for me, that is quite a feat! I never would have thought back when I started, when I was just surfing the net and clicking on runway photos that I would actually get to step foot inside the Bryant Park tents during New York Fashion Week in just two years! I never expected that I would be invited into New York City showrooms and trade shows to see the clothes that will come out in stores a year in advance, and it still amazes me to observe buyers and boutique owners picking out clothes and accessories and seeing which taste jives with mine, hahaha! Hmmm, I may have a future in buying for posh stores or better, buying for my own specialty store! Hey, you never know, anything is infinitely possible these days!

I get this feeling, Manila Fashion Observer may pretty soon be a New York Fashion Insider! Hey, it's free to dream! Hehehe!

Thanks everyone for the comments and the emails all these years! Thanks thanks thanks! Mwah Mwah Mwah! For sticking with me kids, buckle your seat belts, I'm taking you all with me!!! We'll celebrate dear readers!!! We've got places to go to and people to see, it's gonna be one heck of a joy ride!!!

Birthday Blog! MFO Turns 1 Today!

Happy Birthday to us! Yup! One year ago today, I put up this blog to keep me busy back home while hubby was in Cambridge, MA taking up further studies in law. It also served as an outlet for me to document my observations and obsessions about stuff I liked, in the hopes that talking about it would satiate my urge to buy it! Which in a way worked! Hehehe! Its just a happy coincidence that in the course of keeping me occupied, it also entertained and informed my fabulous fashionista readers as well! Thanks to you guys, my fixation with fashion doesn't seem so frivolous anymore because I feel so useful when you ask me for advice and request for posts on stuff you'd like me to feature! It also makes me so happy when you tell me you enjoy reading my posts!

Looking back, I never expected that MFO would evolve into what it is now. What started as rambling musings turned into an advice column/recognizable shopping blog. What's best, in one year, I gained a lot of online friends and quite a following across the world! Not bad, not bad at all! I hope you continue to stay with me as I start a new chapter and a new year for this blog! Because I can guarantee you that there are more exciting things to come! I just know!

As I look out the window now to a fantastic view of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline from our apartment, I advise you to gear up for a fun ride because I'm taking you with me on another adventure as we take on the streets of Manhattan --Fifth and Seventh Avenues especially!

That is, when I'm not running errands or cleaning house! Hahaha!

(Fashionista cake toppers from celebrateexpress.com)