23 Weeks

Eeeep! I have a backlog of posts on documenting my belly as it grows, and what I wear as it does. This week is actually my 26th week already, but let's play catch up...

Starting with what I wore the week Xavi turned 23 weeks old:

A traditional Grecian top bought by my my friend Naomi in Greece, with J Brand skinnies and K. Jacques St. Tropez flats. Very "I did the tourist-y bit in Europe this summer (even if I didn't)".

Wore this Vestito shift dress to a dinner date with Dada. I love that this shift dress has pockets, although it started puffing out a bit because of my growing Xavi, hahaha!

I especially love the detail on the back! As my friend Sarj would say, "business in front, party in the back!" My friend Angela designed this dress, and it is really meant to be worn from day to night. Brilliant no?

21 Weeks: Busy Week

The past week was a busy week, and I was practically out everyday running errands, shuttling Berry to her activities, going to meetings and attending my BFFs parties: Nina's baby shower and the christening of A's twins. Here's a roundup of what I wore at 21 Weeks. Still haven't bought maternity clothes, wearing my usual stuff - mostly leggings, tunics, oversized button downs, jeans two sizes too big and jersey dresses from Vestito.

Went to the grocery wearing top from Uniqlo, Topshop leggings, Repetto ballet flats (please open soon, Repetto Manila!), accessories from Proenza Schouler and Vita Fede

Went to a press event and an interview wearing a shirt from Equipment France, J Brand jeans, Hudson from Anthology Shoes (super light and comfy! preggy friendly!), Fenton/Fallon cuff

Brought Berry to ballet class then straight to Nina's baby shower wearing a plum jersey t-shirt dress from Vestito, J. Crew necklace, Sigerson Morrison sandals

Yes, you read that right. Berry started ballet classes last week. She was telling me that she wanted to learn ballet since February, and we told her she was too young and that she could start when she gets bigger. But nothing could convince her otherwise. Everyday she would say, "I want to go to ballet school." Not just once, but several times throughout the day. We bought her ballet shoes, just to give in a little, hoping that would be enough, but she loved it so much she wanted to wear them to pre-school too.

This all started when she saw a little girl dancing, wearing a tutu in Vogue and she was copying the little girl. My sisters Dianne and Nicole would teach her positions and she was such an eager student. So Dada said, "Ok! Let's send her to ballet school." I made inquiries and while I was told that they only accepted students 3.5 years and above, I begged that they include Berry because it was her who wanted to go to school and not me, hahaha! They gave in and said she could do a trial class.

Berry was initially intimidated on her first day at ballet class and didn't want to dance, but when we returned that weekend, she went inside the studio without any hesitation and happily followed the moves and steps their teacher taught them! She could follow all instructions at 2 years old. I was misty eyed the whole time watching her, seeing how big our baby has grown. I was prepared to go home after ten minutes, but she finished the class till the end. I was so impressed! So of course, Berry is in, she passed her "audition". She will start once a week lessons from now on and the little girl is thrilled!

Went to the christening of A's twins Anton & Andres wearing a jersey dress from Vestito and Louboutin pumps, accessories from Kenneth Jay Lane, Alexis Bittar and Amrita Singh

My Vestito dresses were a hit amongst my friends, and what's best is that while these are not maternity dresses, they look amazing as pregnancy clothes. Very forgiving on the figure, and can definitely still be worn after Xavi comes out.

Vestito is a local brand owned by my friend Angela Operana-Batoon, and available at The Ramp Crossings in Shangri-la Mall and online at Catalogue63.

For inquiries and updates on new arrivals, add Vestito on Facebook!

Catalogue63 at The Grove by Rockwell

Oh wow! This is like a get-together of all my favorite people and their "projects" - my new friend Martina's Catalogue63, my college buddy Angela's Vestito and my old friend (as in we've known each other over half our lives) Ivy's Urban Ashram!

The Grove by Rockwell and online retailer Catalogue 63 is inviting you and your family and friends to “A Style and Wellness Event” on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2011 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at The Grove Community Center on C5, Pasig City. The event will highlight the launch of Grubbies on Catalogue 63 and introduce other new brands available - Bonne, Lulu, Pazzy Navarro, Vestito, and m&m by Matthew & Melka.

The weekend event will also feature free yoga classes by popular fitness centers and studios Beyond Yoga, Crossfit Manila, and Urban Ashram.

“We believe that inner wellbeing goes hand in hand with outer appearance. Simply put, if you don’t feel good, you won’t look good. The launch of Grubbies, the perfect post-workout wear, on Catalogue 63 gives us the perfect opportunity to advocate health and wellbeing through this exciting event”, said Martina Gomez, marketing manager of Catalogue 63.

Here's what I have to say, "Be there or be square!"If you see Martina, Angela and Ivy there, tell them I said hello!

Vestito Opens at The Ramp at Crossings, Shangri-la

If you liked Plum, you will like Vestito as much. Vestito is the dressier version of Plum, which makes it perfect for career women who want to double up on style - whether it be a workday or a weekend.

"Working in the corporate world, it was a struggle to find a dress that I can wear on both a weekday and a weekend that was within my budget. I couldn't find dresses with classic and clean silhouettes that could take me from the office to the occasional dress-up lunches and dinners." shared Angela Operana-Batoon of Vestito.

And with that, she decided to make her own dresses. With the encouragement of friends and colleagues who all loved her designs, she decided to venture out with her own line of clothes, with a mind to make it perfect for both work and play.

While she has separates as well, dresses are VESTITO's specialty. "I have always liked wearing a dress to work simply because to me it’s the easiest! It’s just one piece of clothing, I throw in bold accessories, a YSL bag and shoes to match and I’m off to work. When I change my shoes to ballet flats or nice metallic sandals, then I’m all set for Saturday brunch. It’s a great solution when you have a shopping budget to work with." Angela explained.

Vestito dresses are simple yet chic, and all it takes is a change of accessories and the dress gets a whole new look.

"It’s frustrating when you have to prioritize; do I buy a chic weekend dress, an office appropriate get up or something dressier for my special night outs? I hope with this line, fewer women will have to worry about these sorts of problems.” Angela stressed.

Vestito is available at The Ramp at Crossings, Shangri-la. Price points range from Php1,100 to Php3,500.

For updates on Vestito, LIKE their Facebook Page.