Uno de 50 Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection

If you're looking for statement accessories, look no further than Spanish jewelry label, Uno de 50.

From chunky silver charmers, to this big-ass pearl ring (which I happily brought home with me)...

To Swarovski crystal-ized...

To in-your-face Swarovski-d out bling rings...

Uno de 50 has that, and more.

Their Autumn/Winter 2015 Connection collection in particular, made up of 4 varied but equally inspired lines tell a compelling story.

Designs from the Magic line reflect the light, colour and shimmer of the Northern Lights through blue, green, grey and pink Swarovski Elements crystals. 

The Intimacy line are made up of pieces shaped as keys and hearts of different sizes, rendered in leather and silver-coated metal.

Necklaces from the Vastness line, made entirely of silver-coated metal, have organic shapes that are reminiscent of vegetation capped with snow and ice.

The Forest line consists of nature-inspired elements - "drops of frozen dew, stalactites or pebble stones, as well as other natural elements such as insects or berries and the seeds that precede the arrival of the first snowfalls."

There's a rough-hewn yet gentle quality to Uno de 50 pieces, a free-spirited bohemian vibe that is distinctive and artsy. I can totally see artists, ad agency creatives, and just about anybody who appreciates unique but everyday appropriate pieces to rock these.

Uno de 50 was founded in the late 1990's by a group of designers who decided to establish a brand of fashion jewelry and accessories that would break all existing molds. The brand was called Uno de 50 because they started out with the original philosophy of creating exclusively 50 units of each design, which proved to be an unqualified success. To date, Uno de 50 is in 15 countries, from Spain to Belgium, to Mexico, United States, and now the Philippines (Uno de 50 boutiques are at SM Aura and SM Megamall). For more on Uno de 50, visit www.unode50.com/en/int/

Happy Bags at Kipling

When I found out that Berry will be needing a roller bag for school when she starts first grade, my first thought was, "Where do I find a cute and lightweight bag for Berry?" 

I found the answer at Kipling, thanks to Jen Casitas of Kipling PR who invited me to take a look at the new collection at the Kipling store in SM Aura. Found lots of incredibly lightweight, waterproof and colorful trolley bags that should fit all her books and stuff.

I was especially thrilled when I saw the Natalie Joos for Kipling Collection!

Her color-blocking combinations were unexpected, but they worked.

For her collection, Kipling's signature monkey character was given the Natalie Joos touch with smoochy red lips. Cute!

A pleasant surprise too were the new bag shapes, color and prints that set apart this new collection from Kipling's original roots of basic colors in basic shapes. These make great everyday bags that should take you through the weekend, and impromptu out of town trips as well!

Of course, I went home with this trolley bag for next school year. Berry wisely pointed out though that she can use it also for her travels, haha.

Now I don't know if I went overboard and chose a huge one for her to bring to school, but it's so light, and it has 4 wheels so it's quite easy to push around and maneuver.

It's so spacious too, it can fit lots of books. There's a padded compartment that could fit a laptop in fact.

I like the rubber zipper pulls, easy for kids to grasp.

Overall, this quirky Kipling monkey, sans red lips, would agree with my choice I think ;)

About Kipling: 

Back in 1987, three friends from Antwerp, Belgium got together and came up with colorful bags and accessories. They named their label after the British writer Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book. 

They believed Kipling summed up perfectly the spirit of fun and adventure which they wanted to bring bags and accessories. And from this Kipling spirit, their monkey logo was born.

Today Kipling is sold in 67 countries across the globe.

For more on Kipling Philippines, Like their Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/KiplingPhilippines. 

Visit Kipling at SM Aura/MOA/Megamall/North EDSA/Cebu/Iloilo/Davao/Bacolod/Lanang Premier/Clark as well as Robinsons Place Manila, Centrio Mall in CDO and The District Northpoint in Talisay, Negros Occidental. For the full addresses, click HERE.

My Finds at Suiteblanco Mall of Asia

Spanish fashion brand Suiteblanco opened it's second branch at the Mall of Asia this month, and it's a treasure trove of fun & trendy as well as chic & classic finds.

From skater dresses in Spring's florals...

To boho chic drop waist dresses with delicate embroideries, there's something to suit every taste!

I am sharing with you my top picks from the store opening. But at the rate with how girls flock to Suiteblanco, I am afraid most of these would be gone by now.

I fell in love with this dress at first sight

Then I spotted Kim Jones wearing it! I told Kim, "I love your dress!" and she said, "It's Suiteblanco!" Then helpfully pointed out to the white dresses on the rack. Such a sweet girl! Love her!

Love this embroidered skirt as well! I initially thought these were shorts, and I eagerly got this and the matching top to add to my shopping pile. Too cute! 

Nuts about Hawaiian prints? These shorts are the dressed up version of the all too common cotton beachwear in tropical prints

 

Love the boho vibe of this guipure lace dress. Just imagine this with Isabel Marant's Dicker booties. So festival ready!

More than just clothes, they've got accessories and swimwear as well.

Did I mention these bikinis are just Php999? No kidding! Marked down a further 20% off during opening weekend too!

For updates and inquiries, like Suiteblanco on Facebook, follow them on Instagram at @suiteblancoph or better yet, visit Suiteblanco at

Suiteblanco SM Mall of Asia 
G/F Mall of Asia (near Kultura)
Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City

Suiteblanco SM Aura 
Upper Ground Level, SM Aura Premier
McKinley Parkway corner 26th St.,
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig, Metro Manila

Current Obsession: Herve Chapelier Camo Totes

A few weeks ago, Dada & I met up with our good friends Cathy & Jon Lim, and Cathy's sister Cheryl and her husband Eric Lee. The two couples are the owners of our fave coffee & toast place in UP Town Center, Cafe Shibuya!

While doing a taste test of their proposed Lenten offerings at Cafe Shibuya, we got to talk about Cheryl and Eric's new store, Herve Chapelier in SM Aura, and their best selling camo totes. 

I told them I was familiar with the brand because I used to see women in Manhattan toting Herve Chapeliers as a second bag (it's actually making a comeback in a big way too, says VOGUE). But I have never seen anybody there with a camo version. Apparently, it's a wardrobe staple in Japan.

I had passed by the store a couple of times before, but did not spy any camo totes. Because Cheryl said they sold out so fast, not anticipating such a HUGE demand for it. 

She mentioned there was a wait list for their stocks of camo arriving, and I was like, "OMG!!! Save a bag for me!!! And order more!!!" Yes. With exagg exclamation points.

"Even I could not get my hands on the camo tote!" Cheryl exclaimed.

Rather than keep one for herself, she decided to put her customers first. Which was sweet of her. Heehee. Then she told me to go to the store so I can pre-order the size I wanted. And I did.

I also spied some seriously cute totes, like this one from their high end GP Line, a pebble grained coated canvas...

And soigné 1428ND in Bouganvillier.

But I kept my eye on the prize, texting Cheryl right away the size I wanted reserved. 

Quick as a flash, just a few days after, I got a message from Lyke at Herve Chapelier in SM Aura saying their camo totes were in store!

There was this huge ass one that would make a great overnighter...

As well as this one with short handles, no zippers, so a bit impractical. But it looks so chic!

I ended up with this one, the 1027N. It has a zipper and short handles. Really handy dandy. Super thanks Cheryl!!!

It is rare that I find a camo tote that doesn't look too rugged and sporty. These ones by Herve are just so painfully chic, it hurts not to buy it. 

So I had to go back the next day for the L shopping tote, a bigger sized version with brown straps and a snap.

I need to be armed with at least two different sizes ya know. At least.

About Herve Chapelier:

Frenchman Herve Chapelier started his eponymous label in 1976, creating travel bags that were not only sturdy and supple but were also colorful - orange, purple, fuchsia, red, pink and yellow totes, equipped with flat, braided handles, using a material that was initially designed for car safety belts.

He then went on to designing backpacks that were a hit with students, but it is his famous, classic bi-color “cabas” (traditional French market) bag, which he has sold millions of, that made the brand.  

Herve Chapelier still manufactures his products in France, which are sold everywhere from Paris to Tokyo, as well as New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Rome, Geneva, Venice and now Manila. 

For inquiries and updates, visit Herve Chapelier Philippines on Facebook, HERE.

Gingersnaps Turns 20!

WARNING! Stage Mother ahead!

Ahihihi. Yes, that little girl wearing the furry jacket, tweed & tulle dress and knee high boots is none other than our very own Donya Beriray, seen here on the catwalk with Princess Faith, who happens to be the Gingersnaps Model Search People's Choice Winner.

It's the Donya and the Princess, together.

You can just imagine how thrilled "I" was, yes me, when my friend Sherry Yu invited Berry to join their anniversary fashion show. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and something that Berry can look back to when she grows older. Imagine being able to say, "I modeled for Gingersnaps when I was little". Kilig!

Of course, when I told Berry that she was going to model for Gingersnaps, she wasted no time in telling her tutors, Teacher Mike and Teacher Mayette, and her Teacher Marga, and everyone who would care to listen that she was a "model". Too funny.

Xavi thought he was going to model too. He loved walking around the "catwalk" during rehearsals, and was walking up and down the catwalk after the show. Here he is looking dapper in Gingersnaps, while waiting for the show to start. I realized I should have made him wear his bow tie, heehee.

Of course, Dada was there to see Berry on stage too. Just look at my handsome dates, heehee.

I would have to agree with Daphne Osena-Paez, who hosted the show, when she said how Gingersnaps has become such a huge part of our lives. 

We love to dress up our kids in Gingersnaps, and isn't it always a thrill receiving a Gingersnaps gift box? It seems no birthday celebration is complete without our kids wearing Gingersnaps, or receiving Gingersnaps from family & friends.

Jerry Uy, President of Gingersnaps, shared how they started Gingersnaps as a mall kiosk in Robinson's Galleria in 1994. 20 years later, they have become a widely recognized children's clothing retailer with 38 department store corners, and 77 boutiques here in the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Truly inspiring.

Credit really goes to this power couple who make such a great team. 

Jerry Uy is the business guy, while his wife Sabrina, Creative Director of Gingersnaps, is in charge of designing all the clothes we see in the stores.

She is as hands on with the design process then as she is today, sharing with us how they really look at everything, from how the fabrics feel, to how the clothes fit, just to make sure all Gingersnaps clothes are as comfortable to wear as they are cute.

As a huge fan of Gingersnaps, from back when my sister Nicole was a little girl, I was more than happy to be part of their AVP. I've been a fan for 20 years too, so much so that I even saved my sister's top because it was just too pretty to give away. I think it will fit Berry soon. That's how well made Gingersnaps clothes are.

In fact, when we were living in Singapore, I would buy gifts at Gingersnaps to give to Berry's friends, proudly telling the moms that the clothes are by a homegrown Filipino brand.

And now, back to Beriray. Sorry, I couldn't help but snap away as she did her walk!

It was such a thrill to see her on stage! We were still waiting in anticipation for her to come out during the final walk, even if we've already seen her the first time.

I felt like clapping, crying and smiling all at once. We were so proud, heehee. All the more I am sure for the parents of the 10 kids who bested 3000 entries and made it to the Gingersnaps Model Search finals. Presenting the Gingersnaps Model Search winners:

 Jacob D. Hyatt, Emilia Isabelle A. Ramirez, Ananda Lucia J. Sadhwani, David D. Young and Jean Clarence F. Santos

Nicholas James Almendral, Maiko Saori T. Bo, Jolijn A. Van Etten, Llewelyn Lee Victor Casino, Ystelle Amanda M. Gaboriault

All such gorgeous kids, as with the other adorable models styled by none other than Pam Quinones.

Thank you so much again Sherry for an experience like no other!

Sherry Yu, Gingersnaps Marketing Manager, with event host, Daphne Osena-Paez

Congratulations again Sabrina and Jerry! What an amazing feat!

Thank you for making clothes that we want our kids to wear. Thank you for giving us so many options when we go inside a Gingersnaps store. Thanks for making our kids look chic and cute, and still dressing them to look like they are the kids they are.

Here's to 20 more years! And 20 more years after that, and after that and so on. I can totally see my grandkids will be wearing Gingersnaps too!

The Gingersnaps 20th Anniversary Fashion Show was also made possible with Cycles, Cycles Sensitive, Cradle and Solar Entertainment (2nd Avenue) who sponsored the event.