Baby Registry at babyGap

Attention Mothers! Parental units (Guess the reference. My age is showing, haha)! 

Planning a baby shower, christening or birthday party soon? Well, let's make it easier for your guests to pick out gifts for your little ones via the baby registry at babyGap!

Yessiree, there is na! All you need to do is:

1. Visit a Gap store and talk to a sales associate about setting up a gift registry

2. Fill up a form
3. Choose up to 30 pieces from the selection in store
4. Share your gift registry to family and friends*

Finally, plenty of gift choices for your family and friends to choose from, apart from the usual suspects. Well actually, only Rustan's comes to mind hehe. Now I like baby registries because it makes it easier for me, and for my guests to come up with the things that baby needs most. With Xavi's christening coming up, friends have been asking me if he has a registry, and if there is anything that Xavi needs in particular. But its so hard to say "this and that" right? Better I think if they choose from my wishlist for the little boy.

So  I signed him up with babyGap's registry last week. Because well, he does not have as much clothes as Atchi Berry. Boys are lugi talaga in the fashion section. Always more fun to shop for little girls clothes I guess. In fact, at babyGap, I would find myself drifting to the little girls clothes, because the styles there are just soooo cute!

Check out the military/marching band jacket on the mannequin. Too cute and quite chic, especially if just worn with a basic t-shirt and jeans.

The babyGap registry also applies to little boys clothes. I managed to pick out a couple of basic polo shirts and button down gingham shirts for Xavi, because at 4 months old, he fits into 6-12 months na and so I can see he'll be fitting into the 18-24 months in no time.

Incidentally, when you sign up for with babyGap's gift registry around this time and until supplies last, you get a free diaper bag:

It looks like this, with plenty of compartments inside:

P.S. - What I like about shopping at babyGap is that there's enough space to maneuver a baby stroller. According to Nikki Verzo of Gap Philippines, stores are designed in such a way that aisles have ample room to maneuver a stroller in. Making it convenient to shop in. Mommy and baby friendly too! Good job, babyGap!

*You get babyGap invitation cards (as seen on topmost photo) that you can give to family and friends. I was also told that I would get an email so I can share Xavi's registry to our guests, but I have yet to receive it. Anyhoo, I told my sisters and friends about it and according to my sister Dianne, Xavi's list was up by the time she went to Gap on Bonifacio High Street the following day.

DVF for Moi & B

Back to personal style. Here's an example of buying something you love, even if its not an iconic piece.  Or a dress that everyone would want.

DVF may be known for her wrap dresses, but I've tried on so many and still haven't found one that fits me right. Maybe because I do not have boobs for the jersey to cling on to! Heehee. But anyhoo, I found this dress at the DVF outlet in Woodbury Common back years ago, when Dada and I were just newly  married. I loved that it was a safari style dress. A style I've always wanted. A classic piece. But it was like $100, on sale. I walked away and went home.

Days after I still couldn't forget about this dress. We came back two weeks later. It was there, nobody bought it. It was meant to be. Sold! To me!

5 years and two kids later, it's still alive and still looks great. A true investment buy.

Diane von Furstenberg dress and Louboutin heels

Meanwhile, Berry wears a dress by DVF for Gap Kids. This was taken after school, so she already had glue stains on her dress. Eeep! Thank goodness for Grandma's Goo Remover (it's our new product, yes! More about that soon!)

We bought the dress plus the printed leggings at Gap Kids in Bonifacio High Street when this line first came out. Months later, Tita Trina and Uncle Jun went home, and Tita Eubelle sent her this t-shirt. It was perfect with the leggings! The outfit just came together naturally. Fashion kismet.

Hi-Low Shopping for Kids

So fun to dress up kids these days, so many choices! Everything just depends on how much parents are willing to spend on their kids.

Take for instance the French brand Bonpoint. I always go to their site and used to drop by their shop in Forum on Orchard Road for inspiration, and then look for similar pieces at H&M, Zara Kids or Gingersnaps. Of course, I couldn't resist getting these Bonpoint sneakers for Berry though (she has the exact same ones below). It was worth it since it's so comfortable and she wears it all the time. But the clothes, heart attack prices!

Then, of course, there's A.P.C. Kids. So easy to replicate the looks, because these are all pretty much basic pieces. The great thing apart from the timeless styles are, they're unisex, so the kids can share. But limited styles lang. What you see below, that's it! A.P.C. took the term capsule collection literally. Then again, it's A.P.C - minimalist through and through.

Have you checked out DVF x Gap Kids? I have! Both at Bonifacio High Street and Shangri-la. So many sizes and choices pa! I made Berry choose, and my ever so chic daughter only wanted this black drop waist dress with the relatively muted, printed skirt. 

She didn't like any of the other printed pieces. So, I bought her this dress she liked, plus the printed leggings on the mannequin on the right, just because it was cute with her plain colored tees. She actually didn't like that, but I like it! It's so fun. While I am also glad that Berry already knows what she wants, and can make decisions at such a young age, hey, Mother knows best! Haha! 

But I think my best find above all, which I am sure many of you will agree with me, are these Japanese children's clothes that I found at Paseo de Sta. Rosa a few days ago. The store Ryuma (not rheuma ha!), which is in the same area as Nine West, Aerosoles and Samsonite, and beside the similarly named Ryuma Restaurant and Ryuma Grocery doesn't look much from outside, but they have nice stuff! This sailor onesie is just Php100 and the printed shorts are Php80. They have cotton sleepwear for kids, a top and bottom set with super cute prints for just Php200.

Admittedly, I have been concentrating on girl stuff, but have started researching on what I want little Xavi to wear. My friends who have boys swear by J.Crew crewcuts and I think I will also start browsing the little boys section of J.Crew soon. Zara and Gap Kids have nice pieces for boys too. Locally, I have spotted a lot of nice, preppy basics at Gingernaps.

Girls are so easy and fun to dress, and I can't wait to face the challenge of dressing up our little boy in his own chic way too! How about you? Where do you shop for kids' clothes? Hope you can share!

Gap Kids x DVF in Manila!

Apparently, it's out today! Available exclusively  in  Gap  Shangri-La  Plaza  and  Gap  Bonifacio  High  Street only!

Petite women are in luck actually because sizes go up to age 14! For a peek of the collection, I blogged it HERE!

Diane von Furstenberg for GapKids & babyGap Spring 2012

After Stella McCartney comes Diane von Furstenberg for GapKids and babyGap this Spring 2012!

Diane von Furstenberg's first collection for GapKids and babyGap for Spring 2012 is for girls from newborn to age 14, and will be available exclusively in Gap Shangri-La Plaza and Gap Bonifacio High Street this March.

Little girls will get a mini dose of DVF's iconic prints, signature silhouettes and bold color palette. Expect wrap-dresses of course, as well as easy t-shirt dresses, tanks and shorts, capris, leggings and swimwear. Accessories include sunglasses, espadrilles and sandals.

An exclusive Gap DVF motif appears on flip-flops, ballet pumps, jersey tanks, leggings, sun-hats, beach bags, sunglasses and hi-top sneakers, as well as the lining of one of the star pieces - a navy stripe seersucker blazer, customized with a "Diane von Furstenberg" crest and badges calling out "DVF Gap" and Diane's personal mantra "Love is Life." 

Gap is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc. and is available at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoMa Mall, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila and Abreeza Mall in Davao.

Color Coordinated

Berry: Gingersnaps top from Aunt Ingrid, Baby Gap jeans, Salt-water sandals

Me: shirt from Uniqlo, Topshop trousers, adult Salt-Water sandals, FEED bag

Berry dresses herself now, she chooses her own outfits. And she wears them on her own, she refuses to let us help dress her up. She reminds me of Henry Kravis, the private equity guy who made his niche in leveraged buyouts. In an interview he shares that his mom's recollection of him as a kid was that he wanted to tie his shoes when he didn't even know how to tie his shoes. But he had to do it himself.

That's Berry. But her motor skills are so refined now that she can even put a belt on or buckle her sandals by herself. Very independent.

Anyway, just wanted to share with you our Sunday outfit. I actually took my cue from Berry when I saw that her red sandals looked cute with her blue top. Berry is my icon. Incidentally, I just had to also say I love my Salt-Water sandals. Its been raining here everyday and they're the perfect pair to wear because I don't have to worry about my sandals getting wet. My friends here in Singapore, like Janie, Sara and Vicky all love their Salt-Waters too! I really think these sandals are a winner.

UPDATE: Will keep you posted on which stores to buy adult Salt-Water sandals in Singapore! For now you may email naomi@thatchettsg.com to place an order! =)

PS - Thanks to all the readers who left comments in my "controversial" post. I have read and published each and every one's. I really appreciate all the support and I am sorry if I have disappointed some of you. It is not in my character to be arrogant or mayabang, and if I came across as such, my fault lies in not being able to write my thoughts out well and explain it within context as my words have been subject to misinterpretation. Well, hopefully I get to meet some of you to know me well enough that I am not like that.

Vancouver 2011: Little Lawn Daisy

Fallen cherry blossom petals on grass, so dreamy and romantic. I feel like I should be wearing blush sandals with a silk chiffon dress, carrying a straw basket filled with freshly cut flowers 

from a nearby meadow

You know how ads or packaging for weedkillers would have little lawn daisies (actually, the proper name is daisy fleabane) on them? Well, I always thought it was a shame to kill this type of weed because they look so cute. Like tiny little flowers on grass.

Apparently, Berry likes them too. When Angkong plucked out a daisy from the grass and gave it to her, she was so thrilled, you'd think she was 16 and her crush gave her a dozen roses, hahaha!

Gap parka from Ate Carissa Carale, Zara jeggings from Auntie Kaye Yao, 

 Trumpette boat shoes from Uncle Toni and Tita Sarj

She wouldn't let go of it, and held on to it until we got home. So precious. She also held it ever so gingerly between two fingers, like a dainty little girl and not the "Destructa" (our nickname for her because she's in that stage where everything she comes across turns to smithereens) that she can be.

I also think Berry's look suits our lovely backdrop. Pretty in pink and red. I was the jarring image in grey and black leather. This was the same photo that came out in Style Bible, my look "inspired by downtown NY and French girls".

Striped top from Saint James (French), a cardigan from J.Crew (bought in Prince St.), 
a Hoss Intropia leather jacket (Spanish, but the showroom is in downtown NY) with J Brand jeans (uhm, got this at Barneys but downtown girls shop there too), Isabel Marant scarf (French), Celine luggage (French) and clog booties from No. 6 (Centre Market Place in Little Italy)

Vancouver 2011: Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island purports itself as Vancouver's Town Square. Fair enough. It's that place in the city where there's everything for everyone in the whole family, in-laws included. You've got art, music, beer, food, sailing, shopping and lots of activities for the little ones to keep them busy.

For us, a trip to Vancouver isn't complete without a visit to Granville Public Market. From organic fruits and vegetables, freshly caught seafood and salmon smoked to perfection, to gourmet coffee, bread and chocolate, there's plenty of gastronomic delights in store.

Yes, excuse me, hello, I would like to know what those are?

An octopus. $7.99 a lb.

Salmon, with the head cut off. What is it about fish heads that freak people out?

Yes, I see I got good shots for Mommy's blog.

Smoked salmon, if you'd rather have them in a bagel with cream cheese... 

A variety of berries in all shapes, colors and sizes...

Mushrooms, peppers, beans, eggplants, cucumbers and herbs...

More leafy green vegetables...although what I am really in the mood for is bread...

A fine selection of pastries at Terra Bread

While I enjoyed browsing the food stalls, Berry had a blast trying to befriend pigeons, and then running after them. Angkong was so amused!

Meanwhile, I managed to coerce Dada to take an outfit shot, which is really just a wardrobe remix of what I've worn previously. Told you I traveled light.

striped shirt from Saint James, Gap jacket, Topshop pleather shorts, 

H&M scarf (the lighter version of the blue one I've worn previously), J.Crew belt, 

Wolford tights, Repetto Jacksons, Celine luggage tote

Los Angeles Day 3: Melrose Avenue

From artistic and conceptual, let's go commercial! Heehee! Here we are at the Western End, where Fred Segal,  and my fave online hotspots Madison Los Angeles and Creatures of Comfort hold fort:

I visited the original outpost of CoC, and it was love! It's just the kind of store I want to put up, filled with  pieces that are just so focused and tell a story. CoC stocks my favorite labels like Repetto, A.P.C. and Isabel Marant so I really made the effort to drop by. Unfortunately, they didn't have my size for the Repetto BBs in Tomato, and I didn't really see anything else I had to have. I didn't really get to shop, but I did find a button down shirt from Equipment for just a little over $40 at Madison Los Angeles. Score! There were other amazing finds at Madison LA - from  Elizabeth and James button downs and White & Warren cashmere cardigans at deep discounts to Marni dresses for $300 (down from $1000+), but since we were still going to Vancouver from LA, I erred on the side of packing light.

Well, window shopping was still a good way to bond with family and new friends:

My brother-in-law Jun, and my sister Trina

With Steph (Liza's sister), Berry and birthday girl Belle
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELLE!

Steph told me we should have stayed longer in LA, because I ought to check out  with them the sample sales and vintage shops that brim with promising treasures. Suddenly,  at that moment, visions of  Nation Ltd. tees at sample sale prices and Hollywood cast-offs flashed before my eyes. Wow, that would be interesting! Till our next trip then, sigh.

Anyhoo, change topic! Here's what we wore to our Melrose Avenue jaunt:

Berry: Gap jeans and coat, Tiny Toms for Neiman Marcus

Me: Gap military parka, Saint James striped shirt, J Brand Lovestory jeans, 
Chloe wedges, H&M scarf, Celine luggage tote

Dada says my style reminds him of The Soloist, remember that movie that Jamie Foxx starred in? Well, this is LA. That's where he is from right? This is what I call, HOBO CHIC!

We capped off our last night in LA with dinner at Casa Sanchez, where we were treated to, or if I may say - tortured by, a Mariachi band. LOL. Overflowing nachos and salsa and yummy food though! Coupled with quality time with family and friends, it was a great way to cap off our LA stay before heading off to Vancouver to see Berry's Angkong & Amah!

Flare Up

Woohoo! Am I glad I have a collection of flared denims! Because look at what's flaring up for Spring:

Gap SS11

Elie Tahari SS11

Derek Lam SS11

I love the 70s cool girl vibe these looks are projecting. I am totally going take my cue from these looks and wear my flared denims with a white button down shirt and nude Chloe wedges.

How are you going to wear your flared denims?