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!

SM Toon Fest 2013: A Recap of Berry's Street Style

With Toon Fest 2013 season coming to a close, here's sharing with you the street style looks Berry & I came up with, using pieces from SM Kids Fashion mixed with our other go to labels.

This is Berry's super favorite, her Minnie Mouse outfit.

Minnie Mouse t-shirt, Minnie Mouse leggings, Girls Edition black tutu skirt all from SM Kids. Tip Toey Joey mary janes 

I love how girly and fun this one is.

vintage-inspired floral print dress from Snoopy at SM Kids, classic Levi's denim jacket and Feiyue sneakers 

Although this one is something I would wear myself too, so I'd say this is my favorite haha.

army jacket from Gingersnaps, striped shirt from H&M, Garfield tuxedo stripe leggings from SM Kids Fashion and booties from a costume for her school program 

These two are fun outfits that Berry put together herself.

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

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 

While this one is again something I would wear myself, heeee.

Xavi's button down shirt by Carter's, Disney Princess floral print pants at SM Kids Fashion, Salt-water sandals and a strawberry backpack from her friend Izzy

Which one is your favorite? Heehee.

Berry Stylish

Sometimes Berry puts together the most outrageous outfits for "play dress up" days, but in reality, she really just wears easy, fuss free clothes to school that she puts together herself. 

Seriously, whenever she does not like the clothes laid out for her to choose from, she'd tell us what exactly she'd like to match what with what. Here are some of her favorites for school & play:

googoo & gaga t-shirt, shorts from SM Kids Fashion

Top from Gingersnaps, pants from Joe Fresh, flats from Yosi Samra Kids

Top from SM Kids Fashion, skirt from Tarte Tatin

Top & bottom from H&M

My Dad says that when I was Berry's age, I also chose my own outfits and I had my own favorites too. She may look like her Dada, but her love for dressing up definitely comes from me. Heehee.

SM Kids Fashion Find: Disney Princess Floral Pants

Berry wears Xavi's button down shirt by Carter's, Disney Princess floral print pants at SM Kids Fashion, Salt-water sandals and a strawberry backpack from her friend Izzy

When I saw these floral print pants by Disney Princess at the SM Kids Fashion section in Megamall, I just could not resist and had to get them for Berry. It's a break from her usual blue denims, but just as comfy!

I actually spotted exactly the same printed denims at the teen section of The SM Store and for a moment, I was tempted to buy one for myself too! But, with Christmas coming up, I've decided to forego impulse purchases because it's that time of year again when we have to start buying holiday presents, eeeep!

Have you guys started on your Christmas shopping already?

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.

SM Kids Fashion Toon Fest this Weekend!

Don't miss it! Berry & I went to the launch this morning at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2 and there are plenty of activities to keep the kiddos occupied.

Catch Toon Fest Street Style only until this Sunday, September 1, 2013.

For more on Toon Fest 2013, click click!

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: 

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See you this Toon Fest 2013!

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

Quirky Cool in Garfield + Php1500 GC Giveaway Week 3

Peek...

a...

boo!

Berry wears an army jacket from Gingersnaps, striped shirt from H&M, Garfield tuxedo stripe leggings from SM Kids Fashion and booties from a costume for her school program

How were the past few days like for you and your family? 

We pretty much stayed home, because the rains were scary strong. Spent our days puttering around, organizing the home, baking pies, and then eventually sorting out old clothes for donations and making arrangements with friends to pick up and deliver goods for MOMSHARE's donation drive for displaced families. Let's all help out any way we can!

We also played dress up a bit. I found these super cool tuxedo stripe leggings by Garfield at SM Kids Fashion in Megamall. Super reasonably priced at Php369.75 only.

If you haven't been going to SM these days, well, I am telling you that you should. There are just so many great finds that won't break the bank. Just check out the Hello Kitty section at The SM Store at SM Aura:

Hello Kitty dresses, shirts, shorts and more... 

 

more Hello Kitty shirts, leggings, skirts, sleepwear... 

While SM Kids is super nice at SM Aura, the best place to go, in my opinion, is still at SM Megamall. The area is really sprawling with great finds. Whether your little ones are girls...

...or boys!

I got the Batman shirt for Xavi for Php200+. The cotton is nice and sturdy and Xavi is fascinated with the shiny bat, teehee.

I find it so much fun to shop for the kids at SM because I love getting great deals on their clothes. They grow so fast that it just makes sense to not splurge on clothes they wear for everyday. The secret to buying at department stores though is that you need to be more discriminating, so that you don't end up with clothes that you'd have to dispose of after a few uses. Here are some tips to keep in mind when bargain hunting for kids clothes:

1. Material. Choose clothes that are breathable, better if made from 100% Cotton. The Toon Fest t-shirts I've bought so far are all 100% cotton and the prints are not the type to flake off. Good quality stuff, enough to last for years.

2. Comfort. Always inspect for fabric that might be itchy (like hard tulle or chemically treated fabrics), zippers or studs that may be uncomfortable or that may poke, and clothes that do not fit right. 

3. Sizing. It is always better to buy 1-2 sizes bigger so that kids can grow into their clothes, rather than purchasing something that might fit perfectly at the store but might shrink in the wash.

4. Workmanship. Cheap is not an excuse for shoddy workmanship and quality. There are many reasonably priced clothing that are well made too. Check if zippers pull up and down smoothly. See if buttons need reinforcing. Look for sturdy stitching.

5. Style. You can never go wrong with classic styles. I think 80% of a child's clothes should be all about the basics. Of course, trendy is a whole lot of fun too! I always throw in a trendy piece into Berry's wardrobe, but I do not spend a fortune on trendy clothes. Berry's neon pink denim shorts, and tuxedo striped leggings range from Php200-Php300 only.

6. Spend on shoes. What I save on Berry's clothes, I channel into her shoe fund. I make it a point to only buy shoes that are well-made, comfortable and sturdy. What's the point of buying so many pairs when she'll only end up wearing 1 or 2 pairs most of the time, i.e. the comfortable ones only? We love Salt-water sandals, Yosi Samra, TOMS, Tip Toey Joey, Superga, Bensimon and Feiyue!

Want to add more to your list of great finds at SM Kids? Then join Week 3 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, "What is your best shopping find at SM Kids Fashion"? 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

If you joined the last giveaway and did not win, join this round. This could be your chance!

P.S. - Congratulations to Eleanore Teo for winning our Week 2 Giveaway!

Street Stylin' with Snoopy + Php1500 GC Giveaway Week 2

Berry does Modern Vintage in a vintage-inspired floral print dress from Snoopy at SM Kids, classic Levi's denim jacket and Feiyue sneakers

When you hear the words "Street Style", apart from the obvious that it is well, style from the streets, what comes to mind?

Actually, there's more to the surface and it means a plethora of things. For some, it is avant-garde fashion that spurs the imagination, as with those adorable Harajuku girls of Japanese Street Fashion. It could be an expression of rebellion and nonconformity, popularized by London Punks. It may also mean testing and teasing out taboo concepts, like how inner city kids would wear their jeans so low, enough for the bands of their underwear to peek through.

While for many, street style is a social statement, my approach to street style is decidedly more practical. For me, it is simply a way to express my own personal style. Which means wearing things that I love, putting all my favorites together - whether it be classic closet staples or a trendy piece or two and dressing chic-ly yet comfortably, according to the weather and the demands of my daily life.

That said, here are my top three tips on how we can do street style with ease and flair, as seen on Berry:

layer with a denim jacket, cardigan, blazer, shawl or scarf to add dimension to an outfit

1. Layer. While it is not a must, especially when the weather is so hot and humid, you want to step out in almost nothing, layering when the weather calls for it can be a whole lot of fun. It adds dimension to an outfit while keeping you warm on chilly days, or dry on wet days. Whether it's a fitted blazer, a drape-y shawl, or a surplus army jacket, play with proportions. I find that denim jackets are classics and can go with anything from shorts to dresses, even ballgowns! Add a colorful scarf for extra effect.

pink eyeglasses, pink sneakers and a lollipop are must have accessories for Berry

2. Accessorize.  But more than just accessorizing based on trends, choose accessories that can make for a signature look, so you become instantly recognizable. Think Jackie O and her oversized sunglasses, Audrey Hepburn in ballet flats, Victoria Beckham in sky high heels, Emmanuelle Alt in black booties or pointy pumps. Of course, Berry in her pink framed eyeglasses.

3. Have fun! Fashion and dressing up may seem daunting for some, but it shouldn't be the case. I find that when you choose your clothes and accessories wisely, editing your closet to a point that each piece works with everything you own, throwing on clothes and accessories, even if you only have 5 minutes to dress is so easy, even fun. So much that you surprise yourself with what you can put together in the tightest of time frames. I get a kick out of choosing a piece and then building an outfit around it, like with this floral print dress from Snoopy at the SM Kids section, using existing pieces in Berry's closet.

Still need to build up your kids' wardrobe of basics? Or want Berry's Snoopy dress + more for your little girl? Then join Week 2 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, "What is your kid's favorite street style look"? 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

If you joined the last giveaway and did not win, join this round. This could be your chance!

P.S. - Congratulations to Dale Sy for winning our Week 1 Giveaway!

Minnie Mouse Toon Fest + Php1500 GC Giveaway Week 1

When I was growing up, I remember wearing pants more than dresses. I have always been a rough and tumble kind of kid. I had a favorite pair of peachy pink overalls, that I loved to wear. Day in, day out, as long as I could get away with it.

Tulle and lace dresses made me feel itchy. Meanwhile, my daughter lives in tulle skirts. 

Berry does Ballerina Chic in a Minnie Mouse t-shirt, Minnie Mouse leggings, Girls Edition black tutu skirt all from SM Kids. Tip Toey Joey mary janes

I guess we all have our favorites, aka closet staples, even as kids. In Berry's case, that would be tutu skirts, leggings and t-shirts. She has tutus in all shades of pink, from pale to neon. She has silver ones, as well as these chic black ones, which was a surprise find inside SM Kids Fashion for only Php399, imagine!

If you haven't stepped inside SM Kids at the SM Store these days, OMG, you must. It's a treasure trove of well-made, affordable clothes for kids. They even have special edition lines such as Mickey & Minnie Mouse for Toon Fest 2013, with a Street Style theme. They really have leveled up their merchandise mix, without pulling prices up.

It is not uncommon to find t-shirts selling for Php175 (such as the Minnie Mouse shirt Berry is wearing above), leggings and shorts for Php250 and t-shirt and legging sets for Php899.

I swear, if you had Php1,500 to spend on kids clothes, it would go a loooooong way. Now imagine winning Php1,500 in GCs from SM Kids Fashion. That's like plucking clothes from thin air!

Beginning this week and for the next 3 weeks, 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 share with us your childhood fashion memory by answering the question, "What was your favorite outfit as a child"? 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
  
Fun! Fun! Fun!

SM Kids Fashion Celebrates Toon Fest Street Style

I'll admit it. When I was 12, I wore Snoopy jeans.

Snoopy jeans!

In fairness, the fit was great, the wash was a perfect light blue that went well with my Tretorn sneakers and pastel Esprit t-shirts.  But, it had a semi-gartered waistline and by all intents and purposes was meant to be worn by a kid. A kid.

Hey, when you're 12 and you still wear Snoopy jeans, you tend to blow things out of proportion and think of it like a social disaster waiting to happen. 

But kids these days are luckier. Because their clothes are just so much sassier. They've got so many options, and they can mix and match clothes without looking like their parents played tricks on them through their closet. Yes, even if there's a wide, toothy grin on the cartoon character emblazoned across a t-shirt.

“Kids have a fashion sense all their own,” says Ms. Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President of Children’s Fashion Management Corp. “SM Kids’ Fashion gives them a unique opportunity to exercise their creativity through what they wear each day.”

I got a sneak peek of the SM Kids Fashion Toon Fest line-up of clothes, which will be celebrated via The SM Kids' Fashion Toon Fest happening on August 30-September 1 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2 in Megamall. While they are character-based, you can't help but let out a little, "ooooh".

Many pieces are seriously cute and wearable. This is because the theme for this year is "Street Style", and the toon-themed clothes are designed to be worn with our kids' favorite closet staples. Just like my Snoopy jeans, they went with my trendy sneakers (well, Tretorns are classics now, heehee) and my Esprit logo tees, and looking back, were quite chic in fact.

In line with the street style theme, SM Kids’ Fashion is also hosting a Dream Photo Shoot Contest, where kids can come up with their most creative take on cosmopolitan wear. 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 parents, doting aunts, uncles and grandparents, calendar this. This year’s SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest will take place from August 30-September 1 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2.

The SM Kids’ Fashion Toon Fest is an entertaining trade event where kids of all ages can meet and mingle with their favorite personalities and explore current trends in apparel. Favorites Garfield, Snoopy, Robby Rabbit, and Barbie, among others, debut with engaging images on clothes perfect for kids to learn and play in. 

Aside from an exciting selection of toon-themed clothing, booths at the affair exhibit charming attractions. Young visitors can take a stroll around a thrilling Toon City populated by famous faces with various exhibits, games, and merchandise for both boys and girls.