H&M Supports WWF

United in a common vision for a sustainable future for people and nature, this Autumn 2016, H&M and WWF have joined forces with a children’s collection that aims to inspire people all over the world to care for our planet. All the garments are organic cotton-based and recognizable by their realistic prints of iconic species at risk. The collection is H&M stores worldwide and online since the 29th of September. 10% of the sales price of the collection will support WWF’s work in conserving species at risk.

The kids’ collection features animal prints of species such as the tiger, panda, snow leopard, polar bear and the finless porpoise, that are facing many threats including habitat loss, water pollution and the impact of climate change. The collection mainly consists of comfortable and easy to wear organic cotton-based items such as long sleeve sweaters, T-shirts, dresses, tights, trousers and pyjamas for babies and kids between 0 and 14 years old. The garments have been designed in a neutral colour palette of beige, grey and off-white with some accents of blue, emphasizing the realistic portrayal of the species. Some of the items also include inspiring messages like “Roar for wildlife”, “Protect my habitat” or “Let’s go wild”.

The aim of the collection is to inspire H&M’s customers to care for the planet. The campaign links to our transformational partnership with WWF, which started in 2011 and has now been extended an additional five years. The larger transformational partnership focuses on water stewardship and climate action, as well as strategic dialogue related to both H&M’s and the fashion industry’s broader sustainability challenges.

Read more about the collection and the transformational partnership at: www.hm.com/sustainability and www.panda.org/hm

Meet Fifi & Co

Fun fact for folks who live in San Juan! Did you know there's a chic kid's clothing store right on Wilson Street?

That would be Fifi & Co., named after the owner, Michelle Lao's two daughters who she also loves to dress up.

The store is filled with pretty dresses, t-shirts, cotton tops and culottes. Which I loved and got for Berry.

It's such a joy to shop in store too, because apart from the fact that the prices are so affordable, as in most pieces cost nothing over Php1000, the interiors feel like you're going inside somebody's play room.

Most of the items are sourced from Korea, and last I went, these were some of the pieces that caught my eye:

Went home with an outfit for Berry on the left, and that shirt and drop crotch pants for Tepper. I got Xavi a matching shirt like Tepper's  but couldn't find bottoms that would fit him. Definitely a place to get clothes for girls, and unisex items for babies, not so much for little boys.

The shopping bag is so cute too, it's pretty enough to hand over as a present when you need to dash quick to buy a gift for your kids' classmates. Prices start at about Php250 for a shirt, and goes to about Php800 and above for a dress.

Oh by the way, there are plenty of wooden toys like this balance scooter...

...and this Math board that I got for Xavi as well. Michelle's husband Patrick is a Math enthusiast and Michelle shares this was a great way to introduce math operations to kids as early as preschool. True enough, Xavi learned how to add different ways to 10 in such a short time, and has showed interest in numbers already. Being a Math geek too, I was pretty pleased with this purchase the most!

Fifi & Co
197 Wilson St cor P Guevarra St
San Juan (beside Sharetea)
Tel: +632 501 6883
Mobile: +63926 054 3962
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifiandco.ph/

Must Buys at the MANGO Sale!

I just bought this linen jumpsuit at MANGO Megamall last week, as I was on my way to meet my friends Karrots and Angela at Sarsa: 

But I wish I waited for the MANGO End of Season Sale, starting today, June 16, 2016. Because prices go down, up to 50% off! 

Where is my EQ when I need it?! 

I’ve got my eye on the following pieces though, and I’m sharing it with you. Please get them off my hands, before I spend more! 

1) These eyelet tops! So pretty, presko and looks mabango with white jeans: 

2) This striped spaghetti strap top. Feels like summer will last forever, so you can get plenty of wear out of this. 

3) A great blazer for work and travel. Imagine this with white jeans. Chica! 

4) These torn white jeans. Because they go with everything above! 

MANGO Kids is on sale too, as with MANGO MAN, MANGO TOUCH and MANGO Sport and Intimates. 

I bought pa naman a shirt and jeggings for Berry the same time I got the jumpsuit. But oh wells! I’m passing on the sale news to you for good sale karma for me next time, haha.

Yes every piece here is on sale!

Shop the MANGO Sale at the following stores: 

MANGO – Robinson’s Ermita, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Power Plant Mall, Gateway, SM Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, SM Davao, SM Clark, Ayala Center Cebu, Trinoma, SM Cebu, Greenbelt 5, Eastwood, Marquee, Newport, Abreeza Davao, Lucky Chinatown, Bonifacio High Street, Robinson’s Magnolia, Centrio, Harbor Point, Glorietta 2, Ayala Fairview Terraces, SM BF Parañaque 

MANGO MAN – Power Plant Mall, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 2, SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, SM Megamall 

MANGO TOUCH – Power Plant Mall, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM Mall of Asia 

MANGO KIDS – SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Center Cebu, SM BF Parañaque, Trinoma, Glorietta 2, Eastwood, SM Megamall, Abreeza Davao 

MANGO SPORT&INTIMATES – SM Mall of Asia (inside the shop)

Swim in Mango Kids

The heat is so unbearable these days, I totally get it why the kids want to swim everyday.

It's just gotten to a point where we need more than just 1 bathing suit this summer. We need to have like at least 5 on rotation.

If you've been looking for swimsuits for your little girls too, I've picked up a couple of swimsuits at Mango Kids that are chic, chic, chic. Most of all, age appropriate. No bikinis for this Missy:

"I Need Beach Please" in gray, white shorts also by Mango Kids

A sweet floral swimsuit worn with white cutoffs and pink flats from Mango Kids

The tops and bottoms in store by the way make for great swim cover ups for the kids! Sulit din because they can wear these not just for going out but for beach trips and pool side as well:

These are the breezy tops I told you about in an earlier post. Doubles as a cover up! 

These shorts are adorable! Reminds me of the 90s when I used to wear neon shorts and cut-offs

To see more of MANGO Kids this summer, follow @mangokids on Instagram, or better yet, visit MANGO Kids in SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Cebu, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, Glorietta 2, Eastwood, and SM Megamall.

Moving Up with Mango Kids

Have you been to Mango Kids lately? Their summer collection just came in and I found the most adorable outfits, for both dressy occasions and casual days. I can't get enough of the breezy cotton fabrics in pretty pastels for the girls, and the lighter colored pieces for the boys.

These ones would be dressy and comfortable enough to wear for say, Moving Up Day, kiddie parties, and such!

I love the pretty floral print of Berry's top, and the skirt with dainty gold studs over it.

Looks so presko!

I just have to say though, I find it so cute how Xavi accidentally ended up with the half tucked look because he kept on moving. Accidental chic, haha.

There's a selection of paper thin blouses in store too. This pink one with stripes looks so mabango with white jeans or white shorts. There's a version in blue and versions in pink and blue with prints. Very Pantone Spring 2016 colors, come to think of it.

I made the mistake of making Xavi wear his favorite black Batman t-shirt to the beach this summer, and ang init tingnan in photos! Hahaha! Or maybe that's just me obsessing over nothing. But you know what I mean? These faded jeans and gray tee would be a better fit in this heat! 

Totally unrelated, but proud mommy moment here though. 

I just have to share with you this photo that Berry took with the camera we used to take their outfit photos! I love the framing and focus here. Berry, you really are moving up, hehehe!

To see more of MANGO Kids summer fashion, follow @mangokids on Instagram, or better yet, visit MANGO Kids in SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Cebu, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, Glorietta 2, Eastwood, and SM Megamall.

MANGO Kids Sale + Fall/Winter Dressing Tips for Kids

What's the next best thing to going on vacation some place cold? Shopping for cold weather clothes, of course! 

Well, then again, maybe that's just me. Heehee. If the thought of shopping for clothes daunts you, more especially fall/winter wear, let me hold your hand and show you the way.

1. Shop off season.  The best deal for fall/winter stuff happens off season. Luckily for us in the tropics, cold weather clothes aren't fast moving, and will go on sale, just about the time you are about to jet off during Christmas break. Case in point: the Mango Kids winter wear SALE!

I spotted a plethora of waterproof puffer jackets for girls and boys- that should keep your wee ones warm and toasty while skiing down the bunny slope, or on their back while making snow angels.

Not feeling the Michelin Man vibe? These waist coats are pretty spiffy and will keep their bodies warm enough. You can wear these over a fleece jacket, with a hoodie, even a denim jacket. If the weather isn't too cold, just wear a long sleeved t-shirt or a light sweater underneath.

2. Accessorize. Part of the fun of bundling up is wearing scarves, hats, mittens and ear muffs. While ear muffs and boots aren't necessities, and needing them depends on whether you are actually going someplace extremely cold, scarves are always a practical buy. FYI, there's plenty at Mango Kids.

3. The art of layering. There is such a thing as overheating, even in winter. If kids wear too many layers, not only will they have trouble walking, they will sweat inside, causing their clothes to get wet, which will bring their body temperature down when exposed to the elements. 

As a rule of thumb, I would do two layers during the fall, and three during winter. Here's an illustration, with Berry doing Fall, and Xavi doing winter:

- start off with your regular clothes. After all, most of the time spent in cold weather are indoors, in temperature controlled homes, malls, museums and such. A regular t-shirt should be fine for Fall. Switch to a long sleeved t-shirt or a thermal shirt in winter, or wear a sando underneath a t-shirt for that extra layer of warmth.

- wrap a scarf around their neck to protect it from cold. Scarves are more than just an accessory, they are very practical to have around actually.

- during winter, wear a wooly hat that can also cover their ears.

- wear a light jacket for fall, such as this suede one on Berry. Switch to a preferably waterproof, well-insulated jacket in winter. For extra warmth, bring a cardigan, sweater or hoodie that they can wear if the jackets are not sufficient. Know your child's tolerance to cold, so you know when you need to put on or peel off layers.

- I find that there really is no need to spend on boots for the kids, especially if you are only on vacation abroad. Instead, wear comfortable shoes like flats with skid-proof rubber or gum soles or sneakers. But of course, if you are going to a ski resort and will spend a lot of time outdoors, get shearling boots for indoors, and waterproof ones are best for hours on the snow.

Now, that wasn't that hard, right?

To see more of MANGO Kids Fall fashion, follow @mangokids on Instagram, or better yet, visit MANGO Kids in Glorietta 2, Mall of Asia, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, Ayala Cebu and Eastwood.

5 Tips for Holiday Shopping + Mango Kids Fall Fashion

Berry loves dressing up and shopping for clothes, that's not a secret.

Xavi enjoys dressing up too, in fact, he chooses his own clothes for school now. One thing I've realized though, it's not a good idea to dress up preschoolers when they've just woken up from a nap. Case in point, this:

Berry and Xavi are dressed head to toe in Mango Kids

Heehee! There's no denying though that even with Xavi's sungit face, they both look so chic! That said, with September drawing to a close, we've got to face the inevitable. Holiday shopping!

Here are some tips I've learned when shopping for kids clothes for the holidays.

1. Buy separates

While that long sleeved dress looks so adorable, sometimes it may not be worth spending on. It may be too warm, too itchy, or just plain uncomfortable. I've learned it makes better sense to just buy a dress, and a cardigan separately. The cardigan may also be matched with a top and jeans or other dresses, so there's more bang for your buck!

sparkly silver cardigan, tulle dress and pink flats, all from Mango Kids

2. Know what your child likes. 

In Berry's case, tutu inspired dresses are always a winner.  If your daughter is a girly girl like mine, she can never have too many tulle dresses. Sometimes I try to buy according to my taste, but in the end, she would hardly wear it, if at all. That's money down the drain. I've realized I am better off just letting her choose for herself, or choosing something based on what she'd like, even if I have to reign in my desire to control. Heehee. 

Berry can wear this Mango dress with tights, ballet shoes, a tiara, fairy wings and a wand, and it's an instant Halloween costume!

Now boys are easy to shop for. Maybe just get clothes in colors they like, and make sure the fabric and construction can take the rough and tumble of being worn by active little guys.

3. Buy what's practical.

Even if the dress has been merchandised to be worn with pink shoes, I would buy shoes she can wear outside of special occasions. Hence, choosing black flats instead of the ballerina pink ones. This pair of black ballerinas may be worn with all her other dresses, with shorts and trousers, and may even be worn to school. Win-win.

This pair has subtly sparkly elastics so it's not just any old pair of boring black flats. Better yet, they're comfy too

4. Buy a size bigger.

When in doubt, always buy a size bigger. It's easier to knot the straps, temporarily shorten hem lengths or stuff a shoe with extra insoles, or wear it with thicker socks than buy something that will only be worn twice or thrice and then outgrown.

Mango Kids blue suede booties for boys

5. Buy quality.

Many parents think it's not worth spending on children's clothes. I believe in spending on quality. My kids may not have a lot of clothes, but they are all made well, and built to last, such as these ones from Mango Kids. Enough to be passed on not just to younger siblings, but to much younger cousins as well.

That said, don't discount hand-me-downs! I don't think kids are kawawa if they have to wear hand me downs. I gladly accept my friends' kids' clothes, and I pass on pre-loved clothes to family and friends. It's a happy cycle! 

To see more of MANGO Kids Fall fashion, follow @mangokids on Instagram, or better yet, visit MANGO Kids in Glorietta 2, Mall of Asia, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, Ayala Cebu and the newly opened store in Eastwood.

5 Things to Know About MANGO Kids

Shopping for our little ones is always fun. But here are some fun facts, so you can maximize the full MANGO Kids shopping experience ;)

1. The MANGO Kids store in Glorietta 2 is the FIRST stand alone store in Asia.

The entire section on the right is for the boys.

Turn left, and you've got this whole entire area filled with things our little girls will love.

2. You may also buy MANGO Kids, inside the MANGO stores in Mall of Asia, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, and Ayala Cebu. All stores carry items for girls and boys.

MANGO Kids t-shirts for girls are really sweet and pretty

Fun, colorful and heroic t-shirt for the boys at MANGO Kids

3. Newborns and kids up until age 14 will have a grand time getting all decked up in MANGO Kids.

One whole wall at the back is dedicated for the newly born little darlings

Once these newborn babes hit 3 months old, they get to graduate to the baby boy section, 3 months to 3 years old

Boys, 4 to 14 years old get to choose their clothes here

the baby girl section

Even I want to wear some of the pieces for the bigger girls (4 to 14 y.o) 

4. Ask the sales associate for the Mini Me styles, so your little ones can go matchy-matchy with you or Dad. Check out some of the Mini Me looks Berry & I played dress up with, here.

5. Apart from tops, bottoms, Mango KIDS also has jeans, accessories, bags, shoes, even swimwear. You can create an entire outfit without having to step out of the store.

for the boho bebe: pompom slippers, embroidered denim shorts, sleeveless shirt and scarf all from MANGO Kids

they've got skinny jeans for boys, and princess t-shirts for the girls

preppy swimwear pieces, sandals and bead necklaces, all from MANGO Kids

Fun no? How can we not shop, shop, SHOP!

To see more of MANGO Kids, follow @mangokids on Instagram, or better yet, visit MANGO Kids in Glorietta 2, Mall of Asia, SM BF Paranaque, Trinoma, and Ayala Cebu.