A Whole Lot of Flare

I think Meredith Melling Burke wears flares the best. She pulls it off with elegance and ease. I like that even if she looks like she has been wearing her flares the entire day, with her trench coat lightly rumpled and her shirt less than crisp, she still looks insanely stylish.

I think the secret to her total look is in the cut and fit of her flares. You see, not all flares are created equal.

Case in point. These J Brand Lovestory flares. With a lower waist and made with a thinner kind of stretch denim, the look is totally different from that of Meredith's. Not as forgiving on my hips too.

Meanwhile, these 18th Amendment Colbert flares have a higher waist and are made from thicker denim, so they suck everything in to create an illusion of a slimmer silhouette.

O diba, ni-analyze talaga. 

Well, why not? If you're going to cave in to trendy flares this summer, might as well pick the right one. With a slew of flared denims to choose from, it's good to know there's one that should fit you like a glove.

Jewelmer and Jeans

it took many years to complete this triple-strand of Jewelmer pearls

Nothing can be more Doña than pearls. 

Make that, Jewelmer pearls. 

A few months back, Jewelmer invited the SoMoms to a talk about pearls. So that we could further appreciate the work that goes into their pearls, which also leads to understanding why they are priced they way they are, aka expensive.

Actually, even before we had that talk, as early as when I was still in my 20s, it has always been my dream to have Jewelmer pearl studs. And a single strand. That is all.

See naman how it can elevate a white t-shirt, sneakers and jeans to "don't mess with me, I'm loaded levels". Ahihihi.

See how my friends Kris, Jackie and Jenny look so doña here? Oh my, it's those champagne pearl strands! These pearls, such stunners. They have a life of their own!

Well, that is true. Pearls are living gems, and according to Laetitia Meriguet of Jewelmer, require constant warmth and contact even after it has been set as jewelry, to keep its surface glow.

But before we go to pearl care, let me tell you why Jewelmer pearls are special:

• They are real South Sea Pearls, grown in Palawan by the gold-lipped Pinctada maxima oyster, noted for its beautiful shell lining—and for the beautiful gems it produces. 
• It takes 323 precise steps and up to five years of dedicated care: the oyster is bred and grown for two to three years before being grafted. Another two or three years of being carefully monitored and nurtured while it grows the pearl follows before its precious cargo is harvested.
• The nucleus of the pearl is grafted by an expert technician, called a master grafter, who inserts a round bead made from shells from the Mississippi River, together with a piece of mantle or saibo from a donor oyster of the desired color into the gonad of an oyster.
• Only a certain percentage of baby oysters make it to adulthood
• Each harvest is a miracle, and each pearl unique. 

 this is the nucleus that is inserted into the Pinctada Maxima oyster

Now, you will probably never look at a Greenhills South Sea pearl the same way!



And now, I leave you with Jewelmer Pearl wear & care:

• The rule of thumb in pearl wear and care is: Pearls are the last thing you wear when you leave the house in the morning and the first thing you take off when you get home at night. 
• Pearls are composed of thousands of aragonite crystals, an organic substance similar to our teeth and bones. As such, hair spray and perfume don't mix well with pearls. Over-exposure to these chemicals might cause the pearl to lose their luster and become dull. 
• Chlorine also has a similar effect so avoid wearing pearls while swimming. 
• Store your pearls in a moist environment to keep their luster. If you plan on keeping them in a dry environment like a safe for a long period of time, place a small amount of water in a glass to keep the atmosphere moist.
• Separate pearls from other pieces of jewelry to avoid scratching them. Instead, put your pearls in a different compartment or keep them in soft cloth pouches.

Because whether you like to dress all doña or you are the white shirt and jeans kind of girl, there's a perfect pearl waiting to be your perfect match at Jewelmer. 

From July 1 to September 30, 2013 visit a Jewelmer Boutique to discover all about their Perfect Match Earring Studs Promotion. Because these babies deserve a home. Yours.

For more updates, like Jewelmer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jewelmer

Current Obsession: Isabel Marant Betty

There's a hidden grunge girl inside me. And it comes out when I wear my Isabel Marant Bettys: 

H&M plaid tunic, H&M jeggings, Isabel Marant Betty sneakers 

But this is my current uniform of the moment: a slouchy tee, skinny jeans and my Bettys:

Daley tee from Catalogue63, J Brand skinnies with zips, Isabel Marant Betty

T by Alexander Wang, J Brand 910, Isabel Marant Betty

I first blogged about Isabel Marant's sneakers here. I admit I was smitten when I first saw it in her Greene St. boutique back in 2010. But wedge sneakers? I thought it was just going to be a passing fancy. A trendy item not worth "investing" in. But well, 2 years later and it's been reincarnated in so many color combinations. The style has become a cult piece, it has inspired a myriad of copycats and knock-offs. 

I also like the cut-out ones by Margiela. But I think, one high-top wedge sneaker in my closet is enough.

24 Weeks

Wore this to dinner with Karrots, Oliver & Tipu at Mamou in Rockwell. Top from H&M, J Brand skinny jeans, Anthology Hudsons, necklace from J.Crew

Ran errands and attended a private sale in Manila Pen (thanks for the invite Therese!). Top from H&M, J.Crew trousers that are starting to get more snug around the waistband, gold TKEES

Photos taken last week of March 2012. I am on my 27th week this coming week, and the white jeans I am wearing in this post need to be unbuttoned now so I can wear it comfortably.

23 Weeks

Eeeep! I have a backlog of posts on documenting my belly as it grows, and what I wear as it does. This week is actually my 26th week already, but let's play catch up...

Starting with what I wore the week Xavi turned 23 weeks old:

A traditional Grecian top bought by my my friend Naomi in Greece, with J Brand skinnies and K. Jacques St. Tropez flats. Very "I did the tourist-y bit in Europe this summer (even if I didn't)".

Wore this Vestito shift dress to a dinner date with Dada. I love that this shift dress has pockets, although it started puffing out a bit because of my growing Xavi, hahaha!

I especially love the detail on the back! As my friend Sarj would say, "business in front, party in the back!" My friend Angela designed this dress, and it is really meant to be worn from day to night. Brilliant no?

22 Weeks: Secret Stash

My sister-in-law Lorr has often told me about her secret place for export overruns and it was only last week that we found the chance to check it out. We went 2 weeks ago (I am actually going on 24 weeks this week) and I have gone back twice since Lorr first brought me there! That same week, to accompany my sister Dianne, and last week, to bring my Mom. Who both were so happy with their stash of clothing!

This was my find during my first visit there, a linen and jersey vest from Rock & Republic. Not bad for Php1200. Actually, I was expecting to pay less, but the saleslady said "Ma'm Rock & Republic yan!" Aba! She knows her brands. Plus Lorr said, I won't be able to find a vest of that quality for Php1200 anywhere. Ok, sold!

 

Worn with a tank from Mango, Topshop leggings, Repetto ballet flats, accessories from J.Crew & Kristine Dee/Paul Syjuco

My next visit, I scored this blush lightweight blazer by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's for Php700. So perfectly summer-y! I love it! I saw some blush blazers at Zara and Mango and OMG, they're like more than 5 times the price of this one. This is practically a steal. (UPDATE: I just got back from Zara, it's almost 10x the price of this one pala!)

Worn with a white tank from Zara, J Brand jeans, Miu Miu flat t-bar sandals (the blush stones on the sandals are the perfect complement to the blazer hee!), accessories from J.Crew and Fenton/Fallon

Prices are really amazing I tell you. Tops are Php400, dresses and blazers are Php700, and there's an area outside where you can score tops from Php200 to Php300.

Overruns are mostly from Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap, Madras, but if you have a good eye, you'll spot various random brands with interesting designs that you won't find anywhere else. Great pieces you can wear to work, or on weekends.

UPDATE: I would have to close the request for the address aka The Secret Circle is closed (as Isabelle, one of my readers put it heehee). I received over 500 emails and I tried my best to reply to every one, including the ones in the Spam folder over the past couple of days. I hope I did not miss out on anybody's email. At this point, I cannot promise I can reply to succeeding emails any more, as it has gotten overwhelming. So sorry! 

21 Weeks: Busy Week

The past week was a busy week, and I was practically out everyday running errands, shuttling Berry to her activities, going to meetings and attending my BFFs parties: Nina's baby shower and the christening of A's twins. Here's a roundup of what I wore at 21 Weeks. Still haven't bought maternity clothes, wearing my usual stuff - mostly leggings, tunics, oversized button downs, jeans two sizes too big and jersey dresses from Vestito.

Went to the grocery wearing top from Uniqlo, Topshop leggings, Repetto ballet flats (please open soon, Repetto Manila!), accessories from Proenza Schouler and Vita Fede

Went to a press event and an interview wearing a shirt from Equipment France, J Brand jeans, Hudson from Anthology Shoes (super light and comfy! preggy friendly!), Fenton/Fallon cuff

Brought Berry to ballet class then straight to Nina's baby shower wearing a plum jersey t-shirt dress from Vestito, J. Crew necklace, Sigerson Morrison sandals

Yes, you read that right. Berry started ballet classes last week. She was telling me that she wanted to learn ballet since February, and we told her she was too young and that she could start when she gets bigger. But nothing could convince her otherwise. Everyday she would say, "I want to go to ballet school." Not just once, but several times throughout the day. We bought her ballet shoes, just to give in a little, hoping that would be enough, but she loved it so much she wanted to wear them to pre-school too.

This all started when she saw a little girl dancing, wearing a tutu in Vogue and she was copying the little girl. My sisters Dianne and Nicole would teach her positions and she was such an eager student. So Dada said, "Ok! Let's send her to ballet school." I made inquiries and while I was told that they only accepted students 3.5 years and above, I begged that they include Berry because it was her who wanted to go to school and not me, hahaha! They gave in and said she could do a trial class.

Berry was initially intimidated on her first day at ballet class and didn't want to dance, but when we returned that weekend, she went inside the studio without any hesitation and happily followed the moves and steps their teacher taught them! She could follow all instructions at 2 years old. I was misty eyed the whole time watching her, seeing how big our baby has grown. I was prepared to go home after ten minutes, but she finished the class till the end. I was so impressed! So of course, Berry is in, she passed her "audition". She will start once a week lessons from now on and the little girl is thrilled!

Went to the christening of A's twins Anton & Andres wearing a jersey dress from Vestito and Louboutin pumps, accessories from Kenneth Jay Lane, Alexis Bittar and Amrita Singh

My Vestito dresses were a hit amongst my friends, and what's best is that while these are not maternity dresses, they look amazing as pregnancy clothes. Very forgiving on the figure, and can definitely still be worn after Xavi comes out.

Vestito is a local brand owned by my friend Angela Operana-Batoon, and available at The Ramp Crossings in Shangri-la Mall and online at Catalogue63.

For inquiries and updates on new arrivals, add Vestito on Facebook!

16 Weeks: Red, White & Blue

I am supposed to be staying at home, taking it easy, but I was craving for cobb salad and when Dada suggested we have lunch at Texas Roadhouse Grill, I was game of course! Hee! Here's my lazy weekend outfit, at 16 weeks:

J Brand boyfriend jeans, Façonnable red & white striped top, navy espadrilles - a pasalubong from my friend Sarj when she went to Barcelona 2 or 3 years ago

Paired it with this navy & red Nixon watch from Segnatempo and my navy & gold croc Vita Fede bangle

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)

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!

Happy Easter!

A crafty project by Anika & Tristan, our hosts

And so we're back from outer space! Got in Friday, and then what a busy weekend it has been! Saturday, we met up with our friends Lawrence and Jenny at Jones the Grocer in Mandarin Gallery. Then on Sunday, we brought Berry to her first Easter Egg Hunt!

 This little bunny went Easter Egg Hunting

My friend Naomi had this brilliant idea of getting the kiddos to make their own Easter baskets out of used boxes and milk cartons, it being Earth Day the day before, after all. It was also a way to keep the little ones busy while waiting for The Hunt to start!

 This is Berry's Easter basket

After lunch, the kids finished off their baskets, and then they were off to the grounds to search for hidden eggs!

Here's Berry and I looking for more eggs, with Tristan (the Easter Egg Hunt winner), behind us

 Mommy, how many eggs do we have now?

 Honey, I don't know. Mag-outfit shot na lang tayo! 

(Here we are resting under the shade, looking disheveled after crouching and running for hidden eggs...)

Berry: Joe Fresh "sweatshirt" from Tita Kaye & Tita Florence, 

Carter's zebra print pants, Saltwater sandals

Mom: Uniqlo linen shirt, J Brand boyfriend jeans, J.Crew belt, K. Jacques sandals

Solo outfit shot!

Berry went home with 7 eggs and such fun memories of her first ever Easter Egg Hunt! Thanks Auntie Naomi, Uncle Anthony, Achi Anika & Ahya Tristan for inviting Berry! We had so much fun! =)

Tristan & Anika, Berry's stylish Ahya and Achi, and BFFs in Singapore

P.S. As soon as we get settled back into the swing of daily life, I promise to catch up on blog posts! I have a ton of stories to tell you, it's not even funny! Yes, I have a whole lot, and I promise all are fun! I got bloggers Lloyda Lim & Laureen Uy sharing with me their shoe closet, our LA and Vancouver vacation adventures and the sweet, delightful new friends we made, a long delayed post on our trip to the Singapore Zoo, plus more more more! Stay tuned!