How to Dress Your Bump: Smart Parenting December 2014

Mia Fausto Cruz and Sche Perez of Smart Parenting asked me for some pregnancy style tips on how to dress a baby bump over the holidays, and while the holidays have passed, and we are now onto the latest thing, the arrival of Pope Francis over this long weekend, thought I'd still share this with you.

These are timeless looks that I think, any woman, pregnant or not, can refer to when you are stumped on what to wear.

You may still download the December 2014 issue via buqo on your iPad or iPhone!

Pregnancy Style on Live Love Lolz

Whenever Tita K runs out of guests for Live Love Lolz, I am her resident panakip butas. Ahihihi.

I would like to think interesting naman ako, and I have something worth sharing, and in this episode, we talk JONTIS STYLE!

I share my pegs for pregnancy dressing, items I personally like to wear when pregnant, Tita K reminisces about her pregnancy style, and we talk about where to shop for pregnancy clothes for real people and more.

Basically, we just want to say, don't be afraid to dress that bump! If you are planning to get pregnant, infanticipating, or know anyone who is either of both, this is for you.

Watch in YouTube or here na, now na!

Belly Blessed Fest 2013: A Festival for Expecting Moms

Calling all expecting moms and dads!

Celebrate the many joys of pregnancy with Belly Blessed Fest 2013! A three-day event dedicated to expectant moms, Belly Blessed Fest will be held from July 12 to 14, 2013 at the 2nd and 3rd Level Atrium of The Podium Mall in Pasig City. 

There’ll be exciting interactive stations to delight expectant moms and dads-to-be like the Pregnancy Portrait Booth sponsored by Little One’s Portraits, Clay Medallion Making Station, and a wishing wall where moms can write special messages to the miracle growing inside their wombs. 

Alongside the activity stations will be booths showcasing the latest mom and baby products and services in the market today at the 3rd level. Moms-to-be can also browse and shop for essentials at the mompreneur booths. There will also be products for toddlers and children, Crumbs and Grubs Lactation goodies and snacks for expectant and nursing moms. As part of the Mommy Mundo events' tradition, there will be raffle draws throughout the day. 

On July 13, Saturday, there will be an all-day program of informative talks and refreshing entertainment. Music and entertainment Gentle Universe and a belly dancing session with the Goddesses of Belly Dance by Jill Ngo will get moms-to-be gently grooving while various and informative talks like that of Rome Kanapi, Childbirth Education teacher to reveal some Labor and relaxation techniques while importance of Safe Sleep will be discussed by Halo Philippines. Protect your baby for life! Listen to Dra. Aurora Tajan of CordLife Philippines, and Teacher Jeannie Castillo of Kindermusik Mama, will help get them more ready for the big Delivery day. A Keepsake Journal Making by Namaste and Craft MNL might just encourage many of them to make one-of-a-kind keepsakes of their pregnancy. 

The event is open to everybody, but expectant moms are encouraged to pre-register to get Belly Blessed Fest goodies; interested attendees may simply text their name and the number of weeks that she are pregnant to 0917-8162524 limited slots available! 

Belly Blessed Fest is presented by Mommy Mundo, the Manila’s go-to resource portal for active, modern moms; PACE, Mommy Matters, Nurture Nook, and venue partner, The Podium Mall. It is supported by Cordlife Cord Blood Banking, GlaxoSmithKline, Cycles Mild Detergent, Cradle, Philips Avent, Crystal Clear, Cluebebe, Little One’s Portraits and Crumbs and Grubs Lactation Goodies. Media partners are Urban Mom, Mommy Pages, Working Mom, Lifestyle Network, Crossover 105.1, and When in Manila. Logistics partner is Creative Juice Communications (www.creativejuiceph.com). 

For more on Belly Blessed, like Belly Blessed on Facebook or visit www.bellyblessed.com or www.mommymundo.com. 

To check out photos of last year's Belly Blessed Fest, click here.

Watch the Belly Blessed 2012 video here. 

MFO's Verdict On: ioECO Monotheme Artichoke Shower Gel

The Product: ioECO Monotheme Artichoke Shower Gel

The Promise: ioECO Monotheme is an innovative line characterized by active ingredients that are  more than 98% vegetable in origin. It is the result of an in-depth scientific research  that has produced a complete line of body care products that are naturally based and respectful of nature due to the low impact level on the environment of their production cycle.

- No SLES/SLS
- No Parabens
- No Artificial colourings
- No petroleum derivatives
- Dermatologically tested

Put to the Test: First thing I noticed about the ioECO Artichoke shower gel (for oily skin) is that it leaves a silky feel to the touch. After you towel off, skin definitely feels moisturized. While it does not smell as good as most shower gels, it has a pleasant scent that my husband likes. I guess that's the trade off given that the product is said to be 98% made from vegetables - yes, NO fruits or flowers. Tell me, is there a vegetable that smells good? Oh my gulay! If you don't like harsh or strong scents, this is the product for you.

A huge plus, given that I have sensitive skin is that I never had a reaction with this product. I use this in conjunction with a hypoallergenic shampoo and I do like the fact that I've never had bouts with zits on my back at all (I am prone to getting zits on my back when I use products not compatible to my skin).

Passing the Verdict: While there are many shower gels out there, there are limited choices when it comes to products that are made solely from vegetable ingredients and do not contain parabens, SLES/SLS and artificial colourings. If you are extra picky with the products you use and are on the lookout for something that is more natural than most, this is a safe bet.

Practical Tip: The ioECO Monotheme line comes in three vegetable variants

- Carrot: ideal for dry skin and hair, with nourishing vitamins

- Cucumber: ideal for sensitive skin, purifying and refreshing

- Artichoke: ideal for oily skin and hair, purifying and antioxidant action.

Because the line is natural and vegetable based, I would think these products are especially great not only for those who are into the green/eco-chic movement but also for pregnant women who want to take extra care in minimizing their exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Price: Prices range from Php325 for the Cucumber facial cleansing gel to Php395 for the full range of shampoos and shower gels. The most expensive product tops at Php445 for the Cucumber body lotion.

Point of Sale: Rustan's Beauty Source

Scotch Naturals for Maarte Pregnant Mommies

Scotch Naturals in Flying Scotsman 

To be honest, it wasn't until I got pregnant with Xavi that I realized how much I like putting on polish. I mean, yeah, I do collect Chanel polishes and I really do watch out for new colors to add to my collection each season, but when I was pregnant with Berry, going to the salon was the last thing on my mind. Salon services are so expensive abroad, I accepted the fact that it was an indulgence I could do without.

Not here in Manila.

I could get a manicure with polish for Php220, even if it meant bringing my own polish. Which I don't mind. Because I do have my own color and brand preferences. Especially now that I need something safe for pregnancy. I started off using Berry's Hopscotch Kids, but then I realized I wanted sophisticated, more "adult" colors.

Enter the grown-up counterpart of Hopscotch Kids: Scotch Naturals

Scotch Naturals in Troya 

Like Hopscotch Kids, the line is water-based. It is in fact "the premier non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based nail polish. Their revolutionary water-based formula conditions nails and delivers long-lasting, salon-quality color." 

It contains no toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, acetone, or heavy metals. But since it is water-based, it kind of chips easily, especially if you have "working hands". Surprisingly, I find that the polish lasts longer on my feet. With barely a chip towards the third week.

WEEK 1: Bright, shiny lacquered and cheery (paired with sandals from See by Chloe)

WEEK 2: Still looking good! (paired with Saltwater sandals)

WEEK 3: A bit dull, but still barely chipped! (paired with Anthology's Hudsons)

In fact, when I took off the polish after several weeks, using the accompanying Soy Polish Remover from Scotch Naturals, it was a bit of a struggle taking it out. The polish really is strong and lasts long! And what's best, my toe nails still looked pinkish and healthy, when it would have turned yellow with the standard nail polish brands in the market.

Whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or you just prefer using water-based, harsh-chemicals free polish as a lifestyle choice, Scotch Naturals is your best bet. I swear by it! And best of all, it's available in the Philippines. From the prettiest pastel shades, to classic neutrals like gray, olive green, and beige as well as bright juicy colors like orange and red.

Check out the full line composed of the base coat, top coat, polish remover and yummy colors available online via www.Ava.ph! When you do get the polish, I suggest you get the base coat and top coat as well. The base coat protects your nails, while the top coat strengthens the polish like no other. 

Snippets of Pregnancy Outfits

It has been so hectic the past few weeks that I haven't been able to really take photos of how I've been dressing my belly as Xavi grows. So here are snippets instead, just to document my old reliables, i.e. the comfortable but still (hopefully) stylish clothes and shoes that still make me feel good, even as I get bigger throughout this pregnancy, hehe :)

Boyfriend denims from Current/Elliott, Boyfriend shirt from Equipment France, Lanvin flats

Denim boyfriend shirt from Old Navy, cut-off shorts from Current/Elliott, Gray TOMS

H&M dress

Red flats with snakeskin cap toe detail from Lupe Saenz

Mango tank, Lauren Conrad blush blazer, J Brand jeans, Lanvin flats

Men's striped shirt from A.P.C., Current/Elliott cut-offs, Play x CDG Converse sneakers

A.P.C. dress, Lanvin flats

Dada's old button down shirt, Topshop leggings, Repetto BBs

Yup, I am about to turn 36 weeks this week, and for those like me who don't want to spend on maternity clothes, it can be done. You can survive without shopping! I just use loose tops, dresses, leggings and boyfriend jeans and wear a lot of flats. 

But I have to admit, the story would be different if you work in a corporate setting. In that case, just wear wrap-around dresses, as well as blazers over maternity tops/tanks with trousers. Maybe best to wear kitten heel pumps. And don't forget to accessorize! 

Smart Parenting, June 2012

To my family, friends and dear readers! Please buy the June 2012 issue of Smart Parenting! Why? Heehee, because, tadaa! 

Xavi and I are in the issue. We were interviewed Rachel Perez (thanks Sche!) for The Pregnancy Chronicles, where I got to share my thoughts and experiences during this pregnancy :) Of course, I also got to share my preggy must-haves. Mostly maarte mommy stuff, but also something that will do good for Xavi - i.e. the Belly Buds, to teach him music appreciation early.

One thing I failed to share here, that I can't do without these days? Tums, tu- tums, tums, tums! Helps me deal with heartburn, especially these days when Xavi is so big na, it feels like I have no space in my tummy for food to go down and digest. Sigh.

Ay! I have another kwento! I wrote a feature for Preview Magazine, for TechTalk! So please check out the June 2012 issue of Preview too. Yes the latest one with five gorgeous girls on the cover. Sabi nga nila, if you can't beat them, join them (as a writer though, hehehe!) Echoz!

Too Sexy for My Shirt

Here's Mary Kate Olsen wearing a deep V-neck shirt from LnA with a maxi skirt, and she sure looks chic. But to spend $60 on a cotton shirt? Hmmm...

Thankfully, local label Sexy White Shirt has something for us ladies without billionaire budgets. They sent me this shirt in white, and also in black a few months back, and they do look adorbs, and dare I say, sexy?! Even with my bulging belly. Now, imagine how much better it will look on you!

Me at 31 Weeks, wearing a Sexy White Shirt, Current/Elliott cut-off shorts, Salt-Water sandals

I asked Melissa & Katrina, the ladies behind Sexy White Shirt to tell us more about their shirts and Melissa happily obliged:

MFO: Tell us how it all started!

Melissa: Sexy White Shirt is all about redefining the value of the basic white shirt by giving it greater versatility through a sexier and more modern feel.

A lot of fancy tops and tees are now present in the market, but when I wanted to buy a good basic shirt that would go with both my basic and fancier bottoms, I couldn't find any!!! So, I decided to design and make one instead.

However, since the minimum given to by the sewer was 50 pieces (which was too many for my personal use), I decided to keep 8 shirts for myself and hopefully discard the remaining 42 shirts by selling them at the Rockwell Bazaar last March 2010.

Even though I like fashion, I'm definitely not a designer by any means, so I had no idea whether I'd be able to sell the rest or not. I decided that I'd be happy if I sold half, and just give the remaining half as presents or giveaways to friends and family.

The three-day bazaar opened at 12 noon on a Friday, and I was so shocked when I realized I sold all 42 shirts by 6:43pm! I had to take pre-orders for the rest of Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday.

Sexy White Shirt is definitely an unexpected blessing that I would always, always be thankful for.

What kind of shirts do you sell and what makes them unique?

We sell basic shirts made from top material and upgraded cuts.

We've brought the necklines and length a little more down south to give it an urban spin, and use 100% organic cotton to incorporate a luxurious feel on a basic wardrobe item.

We want our clients to be able to pair our shirts with anything from their wardrobe, whether it's their favorite pair of denim jeans, a bodycon skirt, or wide leg pants.

Grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the market over the past two years, we have also expanded our collection to other basic colors such a black, dark gray, and navy blue.

What's the price range of your merchandise?

All of our shirts are priced at Php 395 each.

In your opinion, what are the must-have pieces in your collection?

Our best-seller is still our pioneer product, which is the Plain White V Neck. For the darker colors, a lot of people still choose black, since they can pair it with more formal pieces and go for a more polished look.

We have also recently launched our first "seasonal" limited edition collection for Spring/Summer 2012.

The Sexy White Shirt, including their latest colors for Spring/Summer 2012, are available online via http://www.sexywhiteshirt.com/. For orders, please fill in this ORDER FORM.

27 Weeks: Back to Grunge

My mom and Dada don't particularly like it when I wear these tattered jeans, but they are just so comfy! My mom says this is something to wear to the market, or Divisoria daw. AKA as the haggling outfit, haha!

But I still often wear it out to run errands. This is the easiest outfit to throw on ever, plus this is one of two pairs of jeans I have, that still fit me. Wore this to lunch with Karrots at Basil:

grey shirt from Daley, Super Loved Destroyed boyfriend jeans from Current/Elliott, black Converse x Play Comme des Garçons sneakers

This is how I look like from the side:

I think Xavi is going to be much bigger than Berry. I was on 30+ weeks with Berry na when my belly was this size. Then again, as they say, first babies are smaller and succeeding babies are bigger. Plus with Xavi, I have a teenage boy's appetite and I am hungry every hour. Yes, up to now.

26 Weeks: Prints Please

Suddenly, I seem to have somehow started accumulating printed dresses. From graphic to ethnic, my wardrobe of mostly solids, checks and plaids has been infiltrated with loud prints. I only started with at most two printed dresses, and now I have like, five. Ehehe! Of course, I am still staying true to my vow of keeping a capsule wardrobe.

Here's what I wore at 26 weeks:

Marni x H&M dress with Marni platforms and accessories from J.Crew, Fenton/Fallon and Alexis Bittar, when Rissa & I attended the MEGA event with the theme "Global chic"...

Ran errands in this t-shirt jersey dress from Twenty8Twelve (this was my breastfeeding dress for Berry because it has snaps on the shoulder, so easy to remove hehe), Repetto BB flats and accessories from J.Crew and Fenton/Fallon

Mommy Potions, Lotions and Creams

When I was pregnant with Berry, my friend Mary Anne gave me a whole year's supply of Palmer's to prevent stretch marks. It could be that, or it could be genetics, but I swear, with Palmer's I never got stretch marks, even just one tiny bit at all. Take note that I started moisturizing as soon as I got pregnant, before my belly even protruded, just to prep my skin for the months of stretching ahead.

This time around, when Denise R. of Rustan's Beauty Source found out I was pregnant, she thoughtfully sent me this whole range of Palmer's and if I wanted to moisturize my entire body, and my whole family, I could! Super thanks for this Denise! I really love Palmer's, I swear by it!

I also have Mustela's 9 Months range of pregnancy creams, and I switch these with Palmer's for this pregnancy. I have creams all over our room, and all over our bath as well, so I never forget to moisturize. Yes, it's a bit indulgent, but when you are pregnant in your 30s, you just cannot afford to be lax with skincare. Ain't as elastic as it used to be, hehe. Tammy T. of Mustela highly recommended the Instant Comfort Cream for Legs, and I find that when I massage my legs with this at night, I don't wake up with painful leg cramps. I also love how it has this cooling effect. Even if you are not pregnant, if you've been up or walking around all day, this is a great thing to massage your legs with before you sleep at night.

Another indulgence and one of the perks of living in Manila, is affordable pampering services. My friend Nina told me about the prenatal massage treatment at Clarins in Rustan's Makati and I always look forward to my twice a month sessions. I just feel so relaxed and refreshed after.

They gave me a sample sized stretch mark cream and treatment oil for toning, but I only opted to buy the toning gel shower cleanser since I could seriously start a mini oil spill with the number of lubricants I have in our bath.

What I like about the pre-natal massage treatment at Clarins is that they really have special procedures for pregnant women in the second trimester, and the third trimester. Every procedure is targeted for a pregnant woman's concerns - ie  2nd Trimester is for exfoliating & toning the body so as to prevent bloating, while 3rd Trimester treatments are meant to combat puffiness on the face, as well as dealing with pregnancy aches and pains.

I have a treatment scheduled at Clarins tomorrow, and as usual, I look forward to it! I cannot wait! =)

25 Weeks

With the weather getting so much warmer, it makes sense to wear dresses instead.

This is what I wore to my mom's birthday dinner:

silk printed dress from The Addison Story at SM Fashion Forum, Repetto BB flats, accessories from J.Crew, Kenneth Jay Lane and Fenton/Fallon

This is what I wore to brunch with friends:

Silk dress from See by Chloe, gold sandals from Pour la Victoire, accessories from J.Crew and Fenton/Fallon

Yes silk dresses during the summer. Not as high maintenance as I thought. And they feel so cool and soft against the skin. Then again, silk is a 100% natural fabric that breathes, and feels really fresh during hot summer days.

Thank you Hatch & Latch!

I just wanted to say thank you to Helen See of Hatch & Latch for sending us these BellyBuds! We've been using these for a couple of weeks now so Xavi can enjoy some Mozart. He really responds to it, because whenever I play him some music, he starts moving in my tummy. Just like his Atchi Berry.

Dada & I just make sure that the volume isn't turned on high, so that it doesn't get too loud in there. Although BellyBuds has a fixed safe maximum volume so moms don't have to worry about accidentally turning on the volume much too high that it could cause deafness.

So yeah, with Xavi, its a little more high tech now with him because he gets his own "earphones"/bellyphones. When I was pregnant with Berry, I just played some music to her via Pandora or while driving in the car. 

I really make it a point to teach the kiddos music appreciation early, like in the womb. It supposedly makes them smarter. Plus, it's so cute whenever Berry hears music now, she always feels like dancing, even in public. Specially now that she has been learning ballet. She always demonstrates her new dance moves to her aunties and uncles, and the new friends she meets. Such a performer. Let's see if Xavi will be the same.

Apart from BellyBuds, Hatch & Latch also sells maternity clothes, development toys, baby gear, and breastfeeding products from brands that Helen herself has used and swear by. So everything in her store is mommy tested and loved.

For more on Hatch & Latch, please visit their website and Facebook page. Hatch & Latch often does giveaways too, so make sure you "Like" their page so you're constantly in the loop!

24 Weeks

Wore this to dinner with Karrots, Oliver & Tipu at Mamou in Rockwell. Top from H&M, J Brand skinny jeans, Anthology Hudsons, necklace from J.Crew

Ran errands and attended a private sale in Manila Pen (thanks for the invite Therese!). Top from H&M, J.Crew trousers that are starting to get more snug around the waistband, gold TKEES

Photos taken last week of March 2012. I am on my 27th week this coming week, and the white jeans I am wearing in this post need to be unbuttoned now so I can wear it comfortably.

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?

22 Weeks: Secret Stash

My sister-in-law Lorr has often told me about her secret place for export overruns and it was only last week that we found the chance to check it out. We went 2 weeks ago (I am actually going on 24 weeks this week) and I have gone back twice since Lorr first brought me there! That same week, to accompany my sister Dianne, and last week, to bring my Mom. Who both were so happy with their stash of clothing!

This was my find during my first visit there, a linen and jersey vest from Rock & Republic. Not bad for Php1200. Actually, I was expecting to pay less, but the saleslady said "Ma'm Rock & Republic yan!" Aba! She knows her brands. Plus Lorr said, I won't be able to find a vest of that quality for Php1200 anywhere. Ok, sold!

 

Worn with a tank from Mango, Topshop leggings, Repetto ballet flats, accessories from J.Crew & Kristine Dee/Paul Syjuco

My next visit, I scored this blush lightweight blazer by Lauren Conrad for Kohl's for Php700. So perfectly summer-y! I love it! I saw some blush blazers at Zara and Mango and OMG, they're like more than 5 times the price of this one. This is practically a steal. (UPDATE: I just got back from Zara, it's almost 10x the price of this one pala!)

Worn with a white tank from Zara, J Brand jeans, Miu Miu flat t-bar sandals (the blush stones on the sandals are the perfect complement to the blazer hee!), accessories from J.Crew and Fenton/Fallon

Prices are really amazing I tell you. Tops are Php400, dresses and blazers are Php700, and there's an area outside where you can score tops from Php200 to Php300.

Overruns are mostly from Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap, Madras, but if you have a good eye, you'll spot various random brands with interesting designs that you won't find anywhere else. Great pieces you can wear to work, or on weekends.

UPDATE: I would have to close the request for the address aka The Secret Circle is closed (as Isabelle, one of my readers put it heehee). I received over 500 emails and I tried my best to reply to every one, including the ones in the Spam folder over the past couple of days. I hope I did not miss out on anybody's email. At this point, I cannot promise I can reply to succeeding emails any more, as it has gotten overwhelming. So sorry! 

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!

20 Weeks: Green is In

This is me and Xavi, who is now 20 weeks old. We had our ultrasound last week, and it's confirmed! Dragon Dychiao is a boy! So we have a new nickname now, Xavi, just like the Spanish footballer. (Although Kat & I agree that Xabi is more guapo, haha).

Last weekend, we went to my good friend Ivy's wedding, and it was just a lucky happenstance that I had this dress on standby. I got this from MYTH last year. I didn't really have an occasion to wear it to then, but I got it any way. It's by Joel Escober. It's not a maternity dress, but it had ample room to fit our growing baby boy. 

Sometimes, it really pays to get a great dress and just wait for an occasion to wear it to. Instead of looking for a dress when an occasion calls for it. At least you end up wearing a piece you love, not something na "pwede na" because you had no options.

Since the dress is a bit of a statement by itself, I accessorized minimally. Just my simple pumps from Louboutin, a pave bracelet from J. Crew, Tom Binns chandelier earrings and this gorgeous agate ring from Kristine Dee and Paul Syjuco!

Here's what I wore another day to meet Mikka at Rockwell, and stroll around the mall. An old dress from Zara. I searched high and low for this dress! Combed Manhattan for this in my size.  Found this in Zara on Broadway. Still something I can wear till full term I think!

Paired it with a FEED 1 tote and these Marni platforms that are the same shade as my dress! Chamba lang! Please excuse my grunge-y polish, wahaha! 

Incidentally, Marni x H&M happens tomorrow, March 8! My friend Naomi is asking her nanny to line up for her in the morning and will take her place when she brings the kids to school. Hay! So excited for her, and me! Heehee!