SM HOME Furnishings Fair

If you have been meaning to change your bed frame or mattress, or need a fresh supply of bed linens and towels, don't just buy anywhere! Head to the SM HOME Home Furnishings Fair, happening now until March 20, 2016!  

SM may have it all when it comes to the variety of home furnishing items, but it gets even better, because they're putting stuff on sale: beds as well as towels, sheets and duvet sets at up to 50% off!

Visit the SM Home section at your favorite The SM Store, and make sure you go right away. Stocks are limited. Of course, do visit other SM Store branches because different stores have different stocks available!

Here's a sneak peek of stuff I like and that you should check out. Don't forget, they're on sale too!

Embossed Square bath towels, Php559.80 a piece, originally Php699.75

I don't need a bed, but the tufted headboard is a beauty! Php23,960, originally Php29,950

I love fresh, clean white towels! The beige ones are more practical though as they don't look old fast. Php559.80 a piece, originally Php699.75

This 4 piece duvet set down to Php3,040, originally Php3,799.75

To get an idea of other items available at the Home Furnishings Fair, like tableware, storage options and home decor, visit the SM HOME website at  www.smhome.com.ph

If the idea of refreshing the look of your home for less excites you, here’s how you can get updated on SM HOME sales and announcements: Like SM Home, @smhome on Instagram and @SMHome_Ph on Twitter.

John Lewis at SM Home

British retail institution John Lewis finally makes its way to our shores, by way of shop-in-shops inside the SM Home section of the Philippines’ own retail institution, The SM Store, as well as in Our Home.

The first of the shop-in-shops opened last May 2015 at the fifth level of SM Makati, followed by Aura Premier, Megamall, and North Edsa.

From L to R: Katie Jordan - John Lewis Head of International Development, Trevor Lewis-Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy in Manila, Jorge Mendiola - SM Retail President, Pascale Jimenez- SM Retail VP Business Development, Louise Jones - John Lewis Manager of International Development and Siony Yap-SM Home SVP for Operations 

Easily one of the UK’s well-loved stores, given its long heritage (it started out as a drapers shop in 1864) and wide reach, with 43 stores all over the UK, John Lewis is best known for its policy of “Never Knowingly Undersold”, which has been in use since 1925. 

British consumers consistently rave about their staff’s knowledgeable and informed service, the atmosphere of their stores, and best of all, the quality of their goods – which are not just from established brands, but from their in-house brands as well. 

Of the latter, John Lewis takes great effort to ensure products are sustainably made, or quintessentially British, if not both. 

To say that John Lewis is a trusted retailer is an understatement. Judging from feedback from folks who shop there, the common sentiment is excellent value for money, and they give their hard-earned loyalty in return.

That said, it is hard not to shop at John Lewis not only because they treat customers right, but also because the employees, called “Partners” are taken cared of.

Partners are generously entitled to a share of the profits earned each year, and how can you not love shopping at a store that rewards its people like so?

The shop-in-shops in the Philippines are the second international collaboration, following seven outlets inside South Korean department store Shinsegae, and preceding that of three branches that will be opened in Singapore department store Robinsons.

But back to the Philippines.

When you visit the John Lewis shop-in-shops at SM Home, expect to find high quality bed and bath linens and goods, tableware, and home accessories, such as mirrors, candles and photo frames. 

 Towels, a tick-tocking clock, a glass cloche and ooooh, love that brass mirror 

For all ye Kings and Queens of your own abode 

For decanting wine, or some tea, perhaps?

I had to restrain myself from buying stuff I don’t really need. But I eventually caved in because I couldn’t resist this pillow. I kept on taking photos of it, and when viewed up close, the fabric is just thick and gorgeous.

I also just had to get the round mirror with brass frame because it’s so hard to find mirrors that fit my aesthetic.

Prices are reasonable, with duvet sets at about Php10,000, throw pillows at Php2,500 and the mirror at about Php6,000. If you are looking to redecorate your room or spruce up your home, you need to go to SM Home and check out the John Lewis section.

You might as well take a stroll around the entire SM Home floor, because they have just about everything your home will ever need. From Japanese kitchen appliances to ceramic vases, matresses, even mason jars from Italy.

When SM says they’ve got it all, they really got it all!

About John Lewis:

John Lewis has been named Omnichannel Retailer of the Year in the 2014 World Retail Awards. Other awards received include Multichannel Retailer of the Year and Marketing Advertising Campaign of the Year at the Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014 plus Best Department Store at the Drapers Awards 2014.

On 1 January 2008, the Oxford Street store was awarded a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen as: “suppliers of haberdashery and household goods.” John Lewis Reading is also the holder of a Royal Warrant from the Queen as suppliers of household and fancy goods. Peter Jones in Sloane Square, Chelsea, which is part of the John Lewis Group, is the holder of a Royal Warrant to both HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh as draper and furnisher.

Look for the John Lewis shop-in-shops within the SM department stores at SM Makati, SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, and SM North EDSA. 

For more on John Lewis and SM Home, visit www.smhome.com.ph and Follow @smhome and @johnlewisph on Instagram.

Rainy Day Gear at SM Kids Fashion

It's been raining off and on these days and when I took out the kids' rain gear from last year, I realized they have outgrown theirs, it was time to get new ones.

I didn't want to spend so much for something they won't be using the entire year. Besides they grow so fast, I thought I'd check out the kids section of The SM Store for affordable ones, and I found the cutest rain gear there, on sale pa!

These jackets are Php399.75 a piece, but with a further 20% off when I bought.

I liked the J. Crew crewcuts-ish vibe of this one (there's a navy and white version too!)...

That I ended up getting one for Xavi, and the pink and white polka dot version for Berry.

There are bigger sized versions for kids ages 7 and up at the girls section too. I love the sweet, pastel colored ones on the left.

Spotted seriously fun rain coats at the characters section too - they had Batman and Superman raincoats! This is for when the kids need superhuman protection from sudden downpours. Ahihihi. 

Is it weird I want it to rain a bit, just so the kids can finally wear their new rain jackets? Heeheehee.

SM Kids Toon Fest 2014

SM Kids Toon Fest is a yearly event by SM Kids that never fails to remind us how fun it is to dress our kids. 

The theme of this year's SM KIDS' FASHION TOON FEST is "Kawaii", incorporating bright colors, graphic visuals and everything cute and lovable, as we all know that's what Kawaii is exactly all about. 

The Kawaii collection is grouped into three categories: Princess, Cutie and Hero. Check these out!

Princess goes with a glitzy slant on the trend with playful tutu skirts and pretty tulle dresses matched with princess tees in colourful pastels. Watch out for those hoodies with built-in tiaras, it’s perfect for today's modern little princesses that want to juxtapose their royal style with a little street flair. 

Character tees, fun hoodies and vibrant button-downs are the highlights of the Cutie category. Garfield, Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the lovable Sesame Street characters provide an eclectic mix of colours, prints and quirky pieces that will definitely be "conversation-starters" at school or the playground. 

Everybody wants to be a Hero—especially if the look comes with head-turning graphics, colourful denims and hip hoodies. Ben 10, The Avengers, Adventure Time and Cars provide items to help show off super style that your kids will surely love and have fun with. 

To see more of SM Kids Toon Fest 2014 fashion, visit the kids section of your favorite SM Store!

Disney Fairies + Snippets of SM Toon Fest 2013

Berry went to her Galileo session, and then to her school, looking like this:

Berry wears a Tommy Hilfiger shirt from Ninang Tots & Ninong Ches Yu, leggings from Ninang Ruby Gan, Disney Fairies skirt from SM Kids Fashion, wings & wand from H&M, flower headpiece from Auntie Leona Panutat and Auntie Charlene Carlos, Salt-water Sandals

Her Ninang Ruby asked if there was a program at school, and I said, "Just another regular day in school". 

Hahaha. Can you just imagine what she'll be wearing to Coachella?

Speaking of dressing up, did any of you guys go to SM Toon Fest? It was our first time to go this year, and it was a veritable wonderland for the kids! Berry & I attended the launch event and not only did we see fun set-ups to shop for clothes at...

there was a program hosted by Sam Oh...

plus a mini-fashion show.

With lots of fun character inspired booths to explore, and for a minimum required spend, crafty activities to enjoy, there was no way for kids to get bored.

The first thing that Berry wanted to do was to sit at the park bench that welcomed us at the entrance.

But soon enough, I found myself following her as she went from booth to booth, having the time of her life.

Getting princess tattoos at the Disney booth

Posing beside, then choosing the Hello Kitty confections she wanted to bring home

Having her photo taken at the Barbie booth

Coloring her own t-shirt at the Robby Rabbit booth

She had a lot of fun, save for that episode when she saw the Garfield mascot. She was terrified! Awwww, baby girl!

Overall, it was a novel way to spend a morning that kept Berry totally entertained. If I did not have to leave for another appointment, we would have stayed longer. But we had to go as soon as we made a respectable round of the area, taking mental notes of which clothes to go back for. And not without buying Berry's Hello Kitty chocolates, of course.

Hollywood Barbie + Toon Fest 2013 + Php1500 GC Giveaway Week 4

Berry is a Barbie Girl, so of course, it thrilled her no end when I went home with these pink, printed Barbie leggings from SM Kids Fashion that I picked up at The SM Store in Megamall. 

Here she is channeling that Hollywood "don't take my photo, but I will project anyway in case this comes out in the gossip rags" look. Teehee.

Berry wears pink Babiators, a t-shirt from Pois Belly & Kids, Barbie leggings from SM Kids Fashion and Salt-water Sandals

Come on Berry, give me a smile! Do it for your fans!

Yay! That's more like it!

If you've been following Berry's series on Toon Fest clothing from SM Kids, and you've been loving the pieces she has been wearing, then check out SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest 2013. It's an entertaining trade event where kids of all ages can meet and mingle with their favorite cartoon personalities and explore current trends in apparel. Classic favorites such as Garfield, Snoopy, Robby Rabbit, Barbie, and more are brought to life in clothes perfect for kids to learn and play in. 

Aside from an exciting selection of toon-themed clothing, young visitors can take a stroll around a thrilling Toon City populated by the cutest Toons with various exhibits, games, and merchandise for both boys and girls. 

 

SM Kids’ Fashion is also hosting a Dream Photo Shoot Contest, where kids can come up with their most creative take on cosmopolitan wear, kind of like what Berry has been doing these past 4 weeks! Contestants get a moment in the spotlight, a personal photo session with a renowned photographer, and the chance to become the next face of SM Kids’ Fashion. 

So dear readers, calendar this. This year’s SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest will take place from August 30-September 1 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2. I'll be there on the first day for sure! Hope to see you there!

  
Do you want to shop at SM Kids Fashion on us, plus get a Toon Fest loot bag?  Then join Week 4 of the SM Kids Toon Fest Giveaway!

SM Kids Fashion and yours truly are giving a way Php1,500 GCs to a reader per week, to spend at SM Kids anyway you like. We're throwing in a Toon Fest lootbag too, to be claimed during the Toon Fest event any time between August 30 to September 1, 2013.

Just answer the question, "Who is the Toon Fest character that you and your kid/s look forward to seeing the most this Toon Fest 2013?" via a comment on this blog post. 

Don't forget to follow SM Kids Fashion on Facebook and @smkidsfashion on Twitter and Instagram, using the Rafflecopter widget below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
See you this Toon Fest 2013!

PS - Congratulations to Cai Entereso for winning our Week 3 Giveaway!

SM Babies Launches Organic Collection

You know something special is up when you get invited to a luncheon at Aria, magically transformed into an indoor garden of sorts, full of greens & fresh blooms:

And special it is. Because it was the launch of SM Babies new Organic Collection.

"Organic living has become very popular in other countries for a reason," say Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President for Children's Fashion Management Corp. "For us, this step is more than just following a trend, it's keeping with our commitment to provide the best for mothers beginning with their babies."

SM Babies tapped celebrity moms and role models of sustainable living Amanda Griffin Jacob and Nicole Hernandez de los Angeles to become spokespersons for their new organic line for babies.

"Organic is always best for clothing. It's important because you don't want any of these chemicals getting absorbed by your skin," says Amanda.

"Organic clothing is a nice option. I would like to expand my son's closet with that. It's better on your skin, better for the person, better for the environment. You buy one thing, and it helps so many people." shares Nicole.

Nicole and Amanda with Joy Dy Juanco of SM Babies

Composed of 100% organic cotton containing no toxic residue from plant pesticides, herbicides or processing compounds, the collection of ultra-soft, hypoallergenic bibs, rompers, cloth diapers, onesies, beanies and bath robes keeps babies snug and comfortable with no worries about irritants.

Going all-natural or at least, living green, is a lifestyle choice. Ensuring our family's well-being is not just about the food we eat, or the materials we use for, in and around the house, but also in the clothes we put on our backs too.

While anything organic is often perceived as pricier in all categories, it is great to know that SM offers affordable options for moms who want the best quality organic clothes for their little ones.

The SM Babies organic collection is currently available under SM-exclusive brands, St. Patrick and Tiny Tummies at SM Stores nationwide.

Nothing Like the Scent of CLEAN

Nothing captures the smell of clean, like CLEAN can.

Of all their scents, my favorite has to be Ultimate, followed by the Original. But CLEAN's new scent, Skin, forms my trifecta of CLEAN.

Skin is actually one of the brand's two new releases, the other one of which, is Rain.

"CLEAN Skin expands our vision of simple pleasures to the scent of pure warm skin you just want to hold, a powerful memory we all share", says Caroline Piper-Vogt, CEO of Fusion Brands, the company behind CLEAN Perfume.

The fragrance opens with light notes of lotus blossom and fresh air accord and evolves to reveal a heart of aquatic florals layered on top of a sheer white musk and hints of amber wood.

Rain on the other hand was "...inspired by those first pristine moments following a rain shower", says Harry Fremont, perfumer of CLEAN and creator of Rain.

This aquatic floral intertwines hints of bright daffodil, dewy melon, water lilies, daisies and a sheer musk.

Both scents have that fresh, innocent, unpretentious quality that CLEAN is known for, they make wonderful day scents. If you haven't gone CLEAN yet, then you really should make it part of your daily habit. Because there are days when you just want to smell, you know, clean.

CLEAN scents come in 60 ml (Php2,950) and and 30 ml (Php1,650) bottles and are available at Rustan's, The SM Store, Robinsons, Landmark and other leading department stores.

About CLEAN:

CLEAN was ahead of its time when it introduced their first fragrance in 2003. CLEAN dreamed of a different kind of perfume with a scent that was fresh and pure - inspired by a simple bar of soap. Ten years later, CLEAN's innovative scents evoke a sense of the simplest pleasures in life: Warm Cotton, Fresh Laundry, Skin and others. CLEAN products are made from high-performance ingredients, eco-conscious packaging and hypoallergenic formulas.