Flaunt Your Finds at Seek the Uniq

Here's wonderful news for you, Seek the Uniq fanatics!

You can make all your STU finds work for you to get a chance to win a carefully curated showcase of goodies from Seek the Uniq's tastemakers and purveyors of style - Mikka, Van and Mariel.

Simply join STU's first ever Flaunt Your Finds contest on Instagram, and you might just get your hands on that sold out piece you've been wanting forever, that you can't seem to add to your cart because so many girls have beat you to it.

We're talking something like this Gypset Donya showcase: A Carioca cover-up, Renegade Folk sandals, a 1969 by Joyce Makitalo necklace, a pineapple resin canister and Butter London lacquer for a total look that says, "I'm bidding Summer 2014 with a huge splash of style!", with matching cocktail on hand.

All three winners will win a crateful of covetable, limited edition pieces from Seek The Uniq.

I've been tasked to help choose 3 winners, along with two beautiful, accomplished and stylish ladies - Stephanie Zubiri and Joyce Makitalo. So exciting!

Ok, so let me cut to the chase, here's how to join @shopseektheuniq's #flauntyourfinds contest on IG!

- Gather your STU Finds and think of a way on how you can present and flaunt it on IG with style and creativity.

- Follow @shopseektheuniq and tag your posts with #flauntyourfinds and #seektheuniq. Make sure your profile is on public viewing so we can all see it!

- The Top 3 most creative entries will win a crateful of covetable, limited edition pieces from Seek The Uniq.

- Promo ends on 15 June 2014, 12MN.
- Promo is open WORLDWIDE.
- You can share as many entries as you wish.

That's it! So easy! We cannot wait to take a look at your entries!

MFO Shoe Series: Vanessa Mayuga-Santos, Manila

My friend Vanessa Santos, aka #thevainmama, is The Model Mama.

And not just because she's gorgeous and statuesque. She makes motherhood look so stylish, easy and fun! Not only that, she still manages to squeeze in time to be productive for herself, for her own enjoyment.

Van is the Beauty Seeker for cult online store Seek the Uniq and her cousin Mavis Manotoc-Fuentebella's partner at Stella by TALA. She also contributes to Glam-o-mamas and Glamourbox, in between shuttling the kids to and from their daily activities.

We always look forward to play dates at their home, where she thoughtfully whips up virgin sangrias for us mommas, to go with the sumptuous snacks she puts together in her kitchen. I remember stuffing myself one time with warm bread slathered in butter swirled with strawberry jam while the kids played princess dress up. I couldn't stop eating it. Van told me to just whisk softened butter with strawberry jam in a food processor, et voila - strawberry flavored butter. It's brillz. She's brillz.

When it comes to style, expect nothing less from Van of course. Her marketing and PR stints at Luxasia and Louis Vuitton Philippines have honed and trained her eye to appreciate quality and luxury in a quiet, informed and discerning level. Her selection of shoes reflect just that.

How many pairs of shoes do you own? 

Am basing this on my closet shelves - about 50 pairs.

What's your shoe size?

39 to 40

Which pairs are your favorites?

Lanvin Ballet Flats for traveling. I normally use this on the plane. The are easy to slip on and off and can be dressed up or down.

Cesare Paciotti boots. I scored these at a secret sample sale in Korea. Luckily most of the shoes were in my size! The boots are gorgeous and so comfortable.

The Cesare Paciotti embellished pumps are a statement piece that I'm saving for a special occasion.

YSL Black Tribute Pumps. I call these my "power shoes". They are classic black pumps that always make me feel a little more confident (probably because of the 4 inch heels). I love how the secret platform makes these shoes super comfy and I can wear them the entire day without any problems.

Maison Martin Margiela sneakers. I am not the sporty type but I have accepted that sneakers are the way to go for traveling. In my 30's and with two kids in tow, comfort that is stylish is always a winner.

Etro sandals, my most recent purchase. I lean towards simple, clean pieces when it comes to my clothes. Even in terms of colors, I generally stick to plains and neutrals. This fun pair of sandals should add a punch to most of my favorite shift dresses.

If you could only wear one pair of shoes, which one would it be? 

Sandals...

...or flats.

What are your favorite shoe brands? 

Lanvin, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Cesaro Paciotti, Mystique, and Renegade Folk here in Manila.

Van's collection of Louis Vuitton footwear, because an LV girl has to walk the talk

Gypset glam sandals by Mystique

Van's growing collection of Renegade Folk sandals

What's in your shoe lust list? 

I need new flipflops for swimming. I’m so tempted to get the Valentino camo x Havaianas. Its your fault Tin! Haha

Where do you buy shoes? 

Mostly abroad.

What's that one shoe you can't bear to give away or throw out? 

My patent navy Lanvin Ballet flats from 2008. They were my first pair and I bring them to almost every trip I go to.

All photos by Camille King of Camille King Photography. Like her Facebook page, HERE.

MFO's Verdict On: ItWorks!® Deep Sleep

When my friend Vanessa Santos, aka #TheVainMama sent me the ItWorks!® DEEP SLEEP Line, it was truly heaven sent!

I can probably count the number of times I have had a good night's sleep since 2008, with two hands.

My entire family are such light sleepers, the slightest rustle, the phone ringing or even a kid tossing in bed, lagot na.

Dada even bought those Bose noise reduction ear phones because he really has such sensitive ears, he needs to put it on when the noise gets annoying and he's trying to catch some Zzzzzs. 

Melatonin, Nyquil, raw honey? Tried and tested!

 

But it doesn't hurt to try another sleep solution. Anything to get a good night's sleep, we're game for that. 

From L to R: Dream Mist Pillow Spray, Night Oil, Stress Less, Breathe In Oil, and Turbo Balm

The Product: ItWorks! Deep Sleep Line consisting of a Pillow Mist, Night Oil, Stress Less, Breathe In Oil, and Turbo Balm.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Dream Mist Pillow Mist The  best-selling, natural sleep aid that will fragrance your bed and calm the nerves. The miracle solution to a good night’s sleep. With ItWorks!® signature relaxing fragrance, this pillow spray will become your must-have sleep solution.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Night Oil A natural body oil for a therapeutic nighttime ritual and to keep your skin nourished and looking young. With Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin E, ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Night Oil is a great moisturizer that easily absorbs into skin, reduces the signs of ageing and promotes rested radiance.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Stress Less is a soothing natural remedy to help you breathe more easily and calm your senses promoting a better night’s sleep. Clears your head so you can breathe more deeply and stress less.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Breathe In is a concentrated blend of their signature Deep Sleep fragrance for burners and diffusers.

• ItWorks!® Deep Sleep Turbo Balm is a portable boost of hydration that’s on call for dry lips and skin wherever and whenever you need it. Made with 100% natural ingredients, this non-greasy, multipurpose balm tackles dry areas on the face and body to leave you silky smooth and moisturized.

ItWorks! Turbo Balm via seektheuniq.com

The Promise: In a 7-hour sleep cycle, a person normally gets only 1-2 hours of deep sleep. With our signature blend of French essential oils, ItWorks!® Deep Sleep line doubles the Deep Sleep hours in your sleep cycle. Consequently, a person wakes up energized and refreshed even with just a few hours of sleep. Best for stressed, on-the-go people (e.g. when traveling, doing hospital duties), those who just came from a severe medical condition and for the majority who just wants a deep sleep amidst life’s anxieties.

ItWorks! Dream Mist Pillow Spray via seektheuniq.com

Put to The Test: I was intrigued by the Pillow Mist and that was the first thing I tried. True to their claim, with just a simple spritzing of ItWorks!® Pillow Mist on our pillow, I felt calm and ready to hit the sack already. I've added it to Berry's bedtime routine too, and she loves it. She says it smells like her Mogu Mogu drink, which is a compliment, coming from Berry.

The Night Oil leaves a minty, tingling sensation after application. I liked it.

Deep Sleep Stress Less has a roller ball application so you can rub it unto your temples, and pulse points massaging it gently.

ItWorks! Breathe In via seektheuniq.com

I used our Harrn diffuser with the Breathe In night oil and it does add to the calming feel of the room. Just make sure to blow out the candle before you go to sleep!

The Turbo Balm works like any other balm, it's advantage lies in that it's a multi-tasking balm that works well not just for your lips, but for also for your cuticles, nails, and dry heels.

Passing the Verdict: I keep it in a handy pouch on my bedside, for easy access to a good night's sleep. The pillow mist for one, has become part of our night time routine. Dada, who at first was not convinced of its powers had to agree that he did enjoy a good night's sleep with it.

Aromatherapy is better than Ativan, that's for sure!

Practical Tip: If there's only one product from the line you want to start off with, start with the Pillow Mist. It is absolutely divine and you cannot find a similar product elsewhere.

Eryleen So of ItWorks! recommends that the pillow spray and roll-on are to be used simultaneously. She shares, "Those 2 are our pioneer products. We just added the diffuser oil for those who want their room to smell good and massage body oil after showers to complement our sprays and roll-ons."

Price: from Php120 to Php450

Point of Sale: Available at the following retailers

• Sesou Nature Source Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Market Market, Trinoma, Robinsons Magnolia, Festival Supermall Alabang, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria

• Plana Forma Studios Fort and Eton Centris
• Nuliving Spa Studio D. Tuazon and Binondo
• www.seektheuniq.com
• Online orders: info@goitworksnatural.com

For more on ItWorks! like their Facebook page www.facebook.com/itworksnatural, follow @itworksnatural on Instagram and watch out for their website www.goitworksnatural.com 

Stella by TALA

It was like the stars aligned for cousins Mavis Manotoc Fuentebella and Vanessa Mayuga Santos when they came out with their adorable clothing line for little girls called Stella by TALA.

Mavis is the banker turned entrepreneur behind TALA Manila and Grubbies, two women's clothing lines, both known for their easy breezy clothes - dresses perfect for busy weekends, or for a mom's daily duties - from picking the kids up from school to a quick lunch with the girl friends to grocery runs.  

Vanessa is a former VJ, turned luxury marketing executive and now mom to 3 year old Stella and 10 month old Cisco.  It was Stella's request for “dresses like mama” that prompted Mavis and Vanessa to collaborate and launch a full-blown collection of little girls dresses together.

Stella by TALA (Stella is Latin for star while Tala is Tagalog for star, how cute is that?) launched at the TALA store/showroom called UPSTAIRS last April 13 to much success.

When we got there at 10AM, the place was jampacked with mommies in a shopping frenzy. Yes, that early in the morning and most of us with our little girls in tow. I saw women with piles of clothes hanging on their arms. By the time I was combing through the racks, sizes had run out for some of the dresses I wanted. In fact, before I could write about Stella by TALA, most of the styles & sizes were gone if not totally sold out!

Van with the star of the showroom, Stella

Moms done shopping, me with Karrots & Jackie

Maybe because all their guests know a great buy when they see one. What I liked about Stella by Tala is that Mavis and Vanessa used really nice, quality fabrics. The kind that can be passed on to younger siblings, long after our girls have grown into them.

The best example of that would be the “CARMEN” embroidered dress, named after Mavis' and Vanessa's Lola Carmen, and the central showpiece in the collection.

It can convert to a top when the girls grow a little taller.      

Here's a peek at the rest of the collection, what we missed, and what we'll be missing out on if we don't draw out the dough fast enough the second time around, haha.

 

There are actually still some styles available at Seek the Uniq and new drops are coming soon to UPSTAIRS this month.  Watch out for it!

UPSTAIRS Showroom
Unit 103, Three Salcedo Place
121 Tordesillas St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati (Access through Bautista St.)
 Tel +632 385 3681
Mobile: +63 906 493 2930

Showroom Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 7pm