Style Inspiration: Diane G., New York

I am so excited to share that I am starting a new section here in the blog, called Style Inspiration.

I often talk about my personal style philosophies here at MFO, but I figured, it would be infinitely more interesting to feature stylish girls and how they found their personal style. Finding our own style is a process, and I hope that this series will not only teach us a thing or ten about how to put together an outfit and where to shop, but also to discover how to dress according to our taste, budget and lifestyle.

I am starting off the series with my friend Diane, who I met in New York many years ago. I've always loved Diane's classic, effortless style, both for work and on weekends. With more casual dress codes for work, many have forgotten what corporate dressing should be like, and I find that there's plenty of inspiration to learn from Diane, who expertly balances feminine & chic with sharp and work-appropriate when it comes to business dressing. For more on how to dress for work, read this Business Insider article too!

What is a day in your life like? How do you spend your weekends?

On most weekdays, I wake up at 6 am. Hit the gym to do a spinning or cardio class. I go back home and get ready while Adrian follows me around.

I'm very focused when I'm at work and typically get home in time for dinner. I feed Adrian, bathe him, play a little, read to him and put him to sleep.

Dwayne and I have Friday every week set for our "date night", simple dinner, happy hour with friends.

Diane and her husband Dwayne

On most weekends, we are completely yaya-free. During the spring and summer, if we are not out of town, we typically spend our weekends in Central Park.

a shot of Poet's Walk at Central Park, from Diane's Instagram account

We go to brunch, have playdates, and invite friends and family over on occasion. We try to make the most out of our weekends and do a lot of day trips.

How would you best describe your style? Why does it work for you? 

Very simple and classic I guess. I usually don't like to spend too much time thinking about what I'm going to wear so I keep my wardrobe very simple.

I know the cuts and silhouettes that suit me and I am most comfortable in dark, neutral shades. I definitely accessorize to make an outfit look and feel a little different, whether with a statement necklace, a pretty belt, dramatic earrings (but still work appropriate) or a great pair of shoes.

It works for me because I am comfortable and confident in whatever I'm wearing and I minimize the risk of putting on an outfit that I don't love because I just keep the ones that I know works and makes me look and feel good about myself.

I really believe that what you wear is a way of expressing yourself so you need to make sure that you are projecting the image you want to project. Since I work in a male-dominated industry, I am always conscious about dressing appropriately and making sure I look sharp and ready to get down to business but I still love to dress up and I refuse to wear a suit everyday so i find ways to play around with my little black dress and still show my style and personality.

I do some travel for work and I do I need outfits that work from day-to-night. Keeping a simple wardrobe with outfits that I can wear in meetings and still wear out to an event or dinner work best for me.

How has your style evolved and how did you know you've finally found your trademark style? 

I used to like being adventurous with colors and prints. I still have a few pieces in my wardrobe that are probably a little more "out there" for me but through the years I've built a wardrobe with key pieces I wear year in and year out.

Sometimes if I find a really good piece, I buy it in various colors, which ends up being just dark, black, or nudes. Not really sure when I found my trademark style but I've noticed that I don't make purchases I regret as often as I used to before.

These days I just get items that I know for sure I will put to good use and don't end up just using once and storing.

What are your wardrobe essentials?

Little black dress (I have too many), a nice fitting white T-shirt and polo shirt, black, navy, khaki, gray blazer, and pencil skirts in the same colors.

Diane in a work appropriate jacket that also "works" on weekend trips

I love my chambrays and also can't live without my jeans, flats for the weekends, and trusty pumps for work.

Where do you shop? 

Anthropologie, American Apparel, Pookie and Sebastian, Zara, Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo, H&M, J.Crew, Banana Republic.

Best style advice you've ever received and what advice would you give to those who want to nail her own personal style? 

Trends fade. Wear what you personally feel most comfortable and confident in.

What would your advice be to someone who wants to build her closet but is on a budget?

Start with a few essential pieces (essential would depend on what you do, what industry you're in) and make sure to invest in good quality pieces that you can wear for while.

Incidentally, Diane's love for out of town trips on weekends has prompted her and her husband Dwayne to put up the weekend travel site, Discoverue.com, which equips users with information, tips and tools tailored for weekend travel by helping them explore activities, places, and events within their local area.

For you dear readers based in New York or the East Coast, Discoverue is something you'd want to learn more about!

Where did the inspiration for Discoverue come from?

The idea of Discoverue came about when I was still working in finance.

I was really devoted to my job and my schedule was impossible to plan around. Dwayne and I would book trips ahead of time but end up canceling them since something always came up at work. It was so frustrating that we gave up planning trips.

Then unexpectedly, a weekend would come and I find myself free. Dwayne and I would want to go somewhere but found it difficult to find options.

We were certain there were a number of interesting things to do and places to explore close by but had little clue where to look. That's why we started Discoverue.

What makes Discoverue special?

Discoverue presents users with options based on real time prices and availability from our partners Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com.

We only show trip options that are rated 3.5 stars or higher by Trip Advisor, further saving users time spent on research and the trip planning processs. Users can filter by distance, budget, what they're in the mood for.

We also curate and feature original content on weekend trip ideas.

Is it NY-centric?

We are launching the NYC edition first and have plans to expand to other Northeast U.S. cities.

For more on Discoverue, visit www.discoverue.com

Bon Chon Delivers!

When I was pregnant with Berry, I was crazy about Korean fried chicken.

It was the original Bon Chon in Koreatown in Manhattan that got me hooked, and while they never served their chicken with rice, I learned to eat it with a siding of pickled radish cubes that still makes my mouth water at just the mere idea of it. OMG.

So when Bon Chon miraculously opened in Manila, it was just wow. What's doubly wow is that Bon Chon delivers now!

I had an impromptu lunch at home the other week, because my friend Gretch was in town and only had an hour to spare for lunch. Then Kris aka OC Mom in Manila and I made plans to check out our neighborhood pilates studio before she had to go to another meeting. With little time to spare, it was a relief that Bon Chon came to my rescue!

BonChon here in Manila is so different from the Bon Chon I knew in New York. Back there, Bon Chon is more of a bar that serves chicken, while here, it's a full on fast food concept that features not just their delicious double fried chicken, but also deep fried seafood, japchae, bulgogi, soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as the new Crispy Crepes.

Whether you are in Manila or in a city where BonChon is at, there's a delivery hotline that you can call when that Korean fried chicken craving starts kicking in.

Just make sure you order a minimum of Php300 and expect to pay a 10% delivery charge. Craving solved.

Bon Chon Delivery Hotlines:
Metro Manila - 633-1818.
Marilao, Bulacan - (044) 815-1818
Baliwag, Bulacan - (044) 761-1818
Cavite - (046) 424-1818
Central Cebu City, (032) 266-0488
Davao, (082) 285-1704 *charges a flat P40 delivery fee

For more information, log on to www.bonchon.com.ph

Manhattan for Mommies

My friend Pat will be going to NY sans nanny this April, so she asked me for tips on where to take her toddler around Manhattan.

Then this afternoon, Jenny of Mama Baby Love also left  me a comment, asking how to do New York with her daughter and niece in tow.

Well, since I was a batang kalye back in the day, and often scoured the streets of Manhattan by foot, yes, with Berry, I know how much of a challenge it can be to go around Manhattan if you don't know where to take the little one. So here's a list of my kid friendly places, in the big, bad (and I mean it in a good way!) city of NYC! (Sigh, I still feel a pang in my heart when I talk about NYC)

First things first Mommies, let me warn you that New York City subways are not stroller friendly. I was lucky that when I used to take the subway, Berry was so light that I could lift her and her stroller up the stairs to get to the street. If your little one is young, you are better off with a baby carrier or a baby sling.

I would say it is best to see Manhattan by foot, with a light, very manueverable stroller on hand. This comes especially handy when the little one falls asleep. Make sure it is easy to fold and unfold when you take the cab or need to put it aside in crowded restaurants.

The glamorous Salome Uy pushing Berry's stroller in the Meatpacking District

Since you will be doing a lot of walking, please leave the heels and wedges at home. Make sure to wear comfortable flats, or a pair of sneakers. Real New Yorkers rarely walk around in heels, and will do so if it only means walking a few blocks to get coffee or go down for a smoke. Nobody walks the whole day in heels, because frankly, the streets are a killer to your shoes and your feet. For some reason Manhattan's concrete can really wear your heels down. If you can afford to go around by cab or have a limo driver at your disposal all the time, then yes, you can wear heels.

Now, where to go?

I will start off with the parks - because they're fun, and they're free. I like Bryant Park because it's small and cozy. You may let the little ones run after the pigeons and when they tire of that, let them ride Le Carrousel. The New York Public Library is just a stone's throw and did I mention that Fifth Avenue is right around the corner?

Berry all sweaty after chasing pigeons in the park

Then of course, there's Central Park. Lots of space to run around in. Maybe skip the track around the Jackie O. Reservoir lest you be run over by overzealous bikers and runners. Best to pay a visit to the animals at the Central Park Zoo!

Dada, Berry & I in Central Park West

Then of course, there's Madison Square Park, home of the first ever Shake Shack! Get a table and knock yourselves out with a scrumptious sundae, or heck, OD on milkshakes and greasy burgers! Yummeh! I know I have a picture of those burgers somewhere...

Next up, museums. Not the sort that will bore them silly, but the sort that will keep them transfixed and in awe. The stuff that childhood memories are made of.

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th St.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 769-5100

Children's Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
(212) 721-1223
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm

New York City Fire Museum
278 Spring Street
between Varick and Hudson Streets
New York, NY 10013
(212) 691-1303

Childrens Museum of the Arts
182 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10013
(212) 941-9198

Now I know that to get Berry to behave, this always works: "Berry, if you're good, we'll get ice cream!". That almost always nips a tantrum in the bud. So that you know what to bribe the little ones with, let's go to tasty treats!

Well, the Lower East Side is not exactly an easy place to get to, but I always find a reason to go there - Doughnut Plant. One bite of these delightful doughnuts, and O.M.G. I have no words. Dean & Deluca sells doughnuts from Doughnut Plant, but I only go there as a last resort. You gotta have to get these doughnuts fresh ya know.

With Aunt Sarj & Aunt Happy

If you can get your kids to sit still, and act like a little lady, then Alice's Tea Cup might just be her cup of tea. It's a tiny tiny little tea shop but Manhattan mommies with little girls in tutus often come here to have tea and scones.

See how pretty?

Stepping into Dylan's Candy Bar is enough to give you a sugar high. When Berry goes inside, she always can't seem to decide if she wants a lollipop, gummi bears, chocolate balls  or candy coated whatnots from the vast number of confections inside! She would flit from one area to another, unable to come to a decision. A sweet dilemma!

Berry with a bag of gummi bears, but still eyeing these colorful candy coated chocolate balls

Little boys will get a kick out FAO Schwarz. Remember the movie Big, where Tom Hanks's character played on that giant keyboard? This is where it's at, baby!

I'll be honest, I have never been inside American Girl Place because Berry was still a baby then, and she wouldn't appreciate dolls yet. My Mom was telling me to go anyway and buy a doll for Berry, but we never found the time for it. My friend Naomi says its so easy to get caught up buying dolls and doll clothes and accessories there, so many cute things! There's a cafe inside too, which I am sure the little girls will adore!

Of course, Mommy has to shop too right? It can't be just parks and museums, toys and gumdrops! Heehee!

While Barneys, Bergdorfs and Saks are pretty much kid friendly and equipped with clean washrooms and elevators and such, I've always had a joyful time browsing BG Kids at Bergdorf Goodman

But really, you can't go wrong with Bergdorfs, Saks and Barneys. All are lovely places to browse, kill time, dream and indulge!

And because I am a downtown girl at heart, I heart heart heart SoHo! Not the most kid friendly place if you consider tourist-filled Broadway and the cobblestone streets, but still! I love SoHo. Just stay away from Broadway and keep yourself at Mercer, Prince, Broome, Grand, Greene, ok basically SoHo except Broadway, hahaha.

Berry in UNIQLO SoHo

So there, I think these places will keep you pretty busy if you stay in Manhattan for a week or two. There are more places I have in mind, lots of little kid-friendly  nooks and crannies of cafes and shops to discover, but I don't want to overwhelm you. All in all, New York may have a reputation for being a big and heartless city, but it is a very baby friendly place really. When kids cry, you won't get a stare down from strangers. New Yorkers will help you carry your stroller up the stairs, will run after you when your kid loses one sandal,  SAs will cluck cluck and amuse your little one while you shop. Really, they just adore babies there! Wish I can say the same for the place where I am at now you know. Sigh, I miss New York. I am pretty sure Berry does too.

TIPS FOR THE NANNYLESS:
- instead of a diaper bag, pack all of the little one's essentials in a reusable tote. Much lighter.
- I used to breastfeed in dressing rooms or inside St. Patrick's
- Just walk so you don't have to be bothered with taking the subway or a cab

Berry Goes to Bryant Park

Berry and I went to the Philippine Consulate yesterday to take care of our passports and we asked my sister Trina to come along. Of course, we had to show Berry The Pond at Bryant Park. The Park looks totally transformed during the winter, although it is very pretty in the summer too!

Thing is though, we just came from a little bit of window shopping and so she was asleep. As is usually the case when we're out in the shops. Grandma says Berry is well trained because she never gets fussy inside stores. I think she loves being in the stores and understands that Mommy needs all the time to go through the racks, hahaha. What a good baby!

New York Hotspots

Hi, just wanted to ask for tips coz we are going to New York this April 22 and we'll be staying at Soho. Restaurants that must be tried, bars, shopping (H&M and Topshop budget) and sights to see. We are in New York for 12 days so please help us with our itenerary, we are watching Wicked by the way:) Thanks!

xoxo
First timers in NY

Oh no! Super delayed reply! I am so sorry about this! I am pretty sure though that since you stayed in SoHo, you have already discovered how strategic your location is dining and shopping wise! But just in case you are heading back to Manhattan any time soon, or for those who are planning a trip to NYC, here's something that will come in handy whether or not you care about the exploits of The City's cast. Please feel free to print this article that Sarj and I wrote for The Radar last Sunday!

NEW YORK — First there was Sex. Then there was Gossip. Now there’s The City. It’s the trifecta of Manhattan shows — the triple threat of Gotham TV. Each program extravaganza is different in style and attitude. But their one common denominator is that they never fail to showcase the allure, the landscape and sights of this lovely megalopolis we’re lucky to call home.

Much like the characters in Sex and the City and Gossip, The City’s Whitney, Olivia, Jay and their ilk mosey along from one snazzy spot to another.

Though it’s touted to be a reality show, we don’t mind that it’s all staged. New York, as always, looks great, and that’s all that matters.

On The Radar gives you a definitive guide to the show’s stomping grounds, according to area.

Meatpacking District (Mepa)









Once home to slaughterhouses and packing plants, in recent years, it has undergone considerable gentrification and is now deemed a swanky area for sosyals to live, shop, dine and hang out. Diane von Furstenberg’s DvF headquarters are situated smack dab in the middle of the locale.

Shop @ DvF (where else?)
Dine @ Nero, Fig & Olive, The Diner, Los Dados
Drink @ Tenjune, Plunge at Hotel Gansevoort, Brass Monkey

Chelsea

Home to New York’s visual arts community and much of the town’s gay population. Streets are lined with galleries, boutiques and beautiful architecture. This district has its fair share of dining destinations, too.

Whitney, Erin, Sammy and Allie seem to favor Cafeteria for brunch, where they meet up to to dish the dirt on Adam.

Dine @ Il Bastardo, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
Dance @ Pink Elephant
Buy art @ Mike Weiss Gallery
Check out @ Yves Chelsea – 166 West 18th Street, Olivia’s apartment exterior

West Village, Greenwich Village (The Village)

Best known for its bohemian flair and beatnik residents, this neighborhood boasts tiny shops and restaurants with star power.

In the show, we are led to believe that Erin lives in Gramercy, while her building’s exterior is actually shot in this area — it’s the Urban Glass House on 330 Spring Street.

Dine @ Extra Virgin, Cornelia Street Café, Amy’s Bread, 10 Downing Street

Soho + Noho (South + North Of Houston)





When one utters the word “SoHo” only one thing comes to mind — shopping. This trendy district is what others stereotype as “downtown.” Partially true, this locale not only houses mega brands, it also has a smattering of decent restos and bars, as well. Kelly Cutrone’s People’s Revolution holds court at 62 Grand Street. While Erin’s office at One Management is a couple of blocks away at 42 Bond Street.

Shop @ Dean & Deluca, Opening Ceremony
Dine @ Once Upon A Tart, Delicatessen, Café Noir, Felix Restaurant
Drink @ MercBar, Antique Garage, Thom Bar, Double Crown
Watch an indie flick @ Angelika

Lower East Side (Les), Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal)

Once a haven for drug dealers and with blocks full of warehouses, respectively, both districts were renewed years ago when real estate boomed and propped up the economy of both neighborhoods.

Smart-looking bistros and stylish boutiques have popped up and peppered the streets since then. Drop by and possibly attend a gallery opening organized by Adam at Collective Hardware on 169 Bowery.

Dine @ Rayuela, Café Falai, Bacaro, Joe’s Ginger, Macao Trading Co.
Drink @ Stanton Social
Check out @ 88 Leonard, Olivia’s apartment interior

Gramercy, Flatiron District, Union Square

These three contiguous zones are quite posh (Narciso Rodriguez has his studio on Irving Place). It also has a cluster of celebrity-chef run restaurants and a good range of places to shop at — from mass-market to high-end.

Whitney lives here.

Dine @ Lyric Diner, Petite Abeille, The Smith
Drink @ The Cutting Room
Check out @ The Elektra on 290 Third Avenue, Whitney’s apartment interior
Also @ 325 Fifth Avenue, Whitney’s apartment exterior
And then @ Gramercy by Starck on 340 East 23rd Street, Erin’s apartment interior

Upper East Side
Think Sex and the City. Think Gossip Girl. Think feckless Olivia and her leech of a cousin, Nevan. Enough said.

Shop @ Bergdorf Goodman, and while you’re at it, grab a quick bite there
Dine @ La Goulue, Philippe (natch)

Ok, personally, my favorite Manhattan haunts are in SoHo, Chinatown, Midtown and The Upper East Side. This is where I go:
SoHo

Shop @
- H&M on Broadway - cheap, trendy, what's not to like? There are 2 locations on Broadway, one near Dean & Deluca, the other near Old Navy
- Uniqlo on Broadway - the Japanese Gap
- MUJI on Broadway - lots of knick knacks to buy, with great clothes too
- Topshop on Broadway - it's a love affair!
- A.P.C. on Mercer St. - classic French basics
- Curve on Mercer St. - Isabel Marant, hello!

Dine @
- Thai Angel on Grand St. - Best Pad Thai, hands down
- Sunrise Mart on Broome St. - Japanese deli with the best french fries this side of town!
- Cafe Cafe on Broome St. - Paninis and freshly squeezed lemonade. Sigh!
- Bar 89 on Mercer St. - a plateful of nachos and hot sandwiches to share, a great pit stop to refuel in between shopping

Load up on supplies @
- Gourmet Garage on Broome St.
- Dean & Deluca on Broadway

Chinatown

Dine @
- Pings Seafood on Mott St. - Best dimsum place IMO
- Peking Duck House on Mott St. - for Peking Duck of course!
- Hop Kee on Mott St. - never tried but Sarj swears by it, will check it out soon!
- Pho Pasteur on Baxter St. - Vietnamese BBQ pork! The first thing I craved for as soon as my first trimester blues died down
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory on Bayard St. - Red Mongo and Black Sesame ice cream anyone?

Load up on supplies @
- Mei Li Wah on Bayard St. - Freshly steamed/baked siopao, buy by the dozen! Freeze and enjoy when you feel like it!
- Some hole in the wall joint on Mott St., beside the chopsticks store - Taho!


Midtown

Shop @
- Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Ave. - the shoe section is divine!
- Saks Fifth Avenue - they have amazing sales! This is where I stock up on skin care supplies
- Sephora on 5th Ave. - a haven for beauty supplies!
- Zara on 5th Ave. - cheap, fast fashion, when they go on sale, they go on sale!
- H&M on 5th Ave. - cheaper, faster fashion! This is where all the tourists go though.

Dine @
- Five Guys Burgers on W 55th St. - Dear Hubby and I raved about this for the longest time, until I tried
- Burger Joint at Parker Meridien on W 57th St. - this one takes the cake!

Wherever you end up, you'll only spend no more than $12 for a burger, fries, and a drink!

Upper East Side

Shop @
- Barneys - Love love love Barneys! This is where I go for shoes and denims! I can spend hours here! Wait for the Purple Card sales if you want to save!

Kill time @
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Ave at 82nd Street - You can spend a day here and still not cover all the galleries! Oh, and don't let that $20 suggested fee turn you away. While it is recommended that you donate that much, you are free to give any amount below $20 =) The Museum Shop has a great selection of books too!