My SIL Les and I saw these in TJ Maxx and we were smitten! We dabbled on the idea of buying a pair or two for ourselves (just $7 a pair) but decided we weren't really the type to wear such. It would just end up stored in the sock drawer or worn under jeans or pants, thus defeating the purpose. Cute though right?
Wait, wait, wait. I think this will look cute paired with my ankle length pants. Just a peek of pattern by the ankle. Hmmmm...
If you have a baby in the family, or have friends who have babies, I highly recommend these fresh food feeders from Munchkin. Berry started eating solids when she turned 6 months old and I would always find myself worried that she might choke on her food. My Mom said that a friend of ours made her baby suck on fruit in a mesh/gauze bag to keep her from choking. I did a little bit of research online and the Munchkin food feeder popped up!
I bought a pack from Target for about $7. Along with a pacifier clip for about $5 because Berry loves to drop things. Pretty sweet deal. Berry finds her food easier to grasp, and I feel a lot more comfortable knowing she won't be able to bite off more than she can chew, literally.
I read your blog everyday, and I'm so grateful for all the tips you share, thank you for being such a giver:) Btw, what brand of make up do you use? - Van
Hi Van! So sorry this took forever. I've been meaning to share, but couldn't seem to write about make-up because it's the last thing I am an expert on, heehee. But if it helps, here's a post on what I've been using. As you can see, I have no brand loyalty. But if there's one word of advice about the stuff that make it to my make-up bag - go for Japanese/Korean brands. I find that Asian products work best on Asian skin! Now on to my reviews of the products I use often enough to recommend:
philosophy the supernatural airbrushed color corrector concealer - Been using this for years. Helps a lot in concealing the darkness under my eyes. I actually am about to run out of this, and I'm in the market to try something else. Any body have tips on what works for you? I'm thinking Laura Mercier because my friend Jaraiza swears by it and I've tried it well enough to get it. But I am still open to suggestions!
Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation - L.O.V.E! I've been using this in Quiet & Still for years! Applies on naturally, makes me look like I have perfect poreless skin, with no need for a primer. It allows my skin to breathe, I don't know why I claim that, but it just feels so light on the skin. I just top this with a little loose powder to make my skin look matte.
Shu Uemura powder foundation natural glow finish spf 22 - bought this because I ran out of Face Shop's powder compact. I like the color and it looks natural. But I find that it doesn't blend so smoothly. Maybe because I have dry skin, so my flaky skin gets highlighted. Then again, I haven't used this wet. So maybe that will apply on better. Once this product settles onto the skin though and mixes with the oil in my skin, it actually gives my face a glow. Love the fact that it has a wider mirror than most compacts.
SK-II Perfect Radiance powder foundation - I find that this applies more smoothly and evenly. Color looks natural too. Like the fact that the compact is so slim so it fits in a small bag or clutch, making this perfect for touch-ups. This is what I bring with me all the time.
Kiehl's Lip Balm - do I have to explain why? This is the only lip balm (save for Darphin VitalBalm) that works in keeping my lips soft and smooth. Tasteless, clear, and is straight to the point the best lip balm for me. Works especially well when I have bouts of windburn.
Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick - I use S5 Rosy flush for my cheeks. I love this because it makes my cheeks look rosy and I can never apply too much. It looks completely natural. I rub it a couple times over my cheeks and I instantly have flushed, straight from a workout, pink cheeks! I also use S3 Glistening flush to give my face a glow at night. I discovered this thanks to Celine. We were at her cousin, Kuya Gino's wedding, and I just had to compliment her on her glowing skin. She said, that's just Shiseido's Glistening flush! Of course, I bought a stick the next day! I just dab it on top of my existing make-up. I don't know if this is the right way to use it, but pictures show I just look like I have bright and dewy skin. Whatevs!
Lancome Oscillation Mascara - love that this goes on easily, with the wand vibrating by itself. My lashes look super long and not clumpy at all. But not necessarily thicker. Works for me since I don't really want unnatural looking lashes. My only problem is that I have oily lids so I end up with raccoon eyes. Grrr.
This is just about it Van, hope this helps you out! =)
P.S. You may have noticed, I don't wear eye make-up. I honestly don't know how to put that on so I have no recommendations. I should hie off to the Shiseido counter and ask the girl there to teach me how. I might just buy an eye palette, my first ever in 33 years!
I was thinking of doing this but was keeping it in the backburner until I had time. And when I saw Celine do hers, I thought why wait, it looks so much fun to look back at the decade that was and see how things turned out in ten years. Here's mine:
2000 - Started a new job in Starbucks Philippines. Worked as the COO's project assistant and bonded immediately with the other project assistant Gretchen, and Nina, the store development assistant, over our love for Mango, fashion, and all things silly! My gossip girls, lunch time shopping buddies, who are up to now - two of my bestest friends! The group was completed by Bic-bic and Jenny!
2001 - Career-wise, I got promoted as merchandising manager. Folks, if you collected Starbucks merchandise from 2001 to 2003 - yes, it's me to love/blame for choosing what goes into those Starbucks merchandise etageres! I still remember when Starbucks water bottles first made it to the merchandise list, I knew they were going to sell like hotcakes because everyone was into working out at the gym. And well, it discouraged the use of those nasty plastic mineral water bottles. My boss was like, "Water bottles?" and I was like "Yes! Every one would want to bring one with them when they work out!" True enough, it became such a huge hit when they first hit the stores! Soon enough so many water bottles found their way into the Philippine market - Nalgene, Sigg, and a host of others. Didn't water bottles become popular corporate giveaways years down the road too? Oh, news wise, this was the year EDSA II happened. I remember my dad calling me at work to tell me the military was withdrawing support. I should have bought stocks right away. Soon after, the AFP Chief was on his way to the EDSA Shrine to join the throngs of citizens happy to see Erap leave. (Thing is though, he is running again for President this 2010. Jeez.)
2002 - I met the love-of-my life who is now well known as, you guessed it, Dear Hubby! Started the process of applying to graduate schools. The year was a flurry of KAPLAN reviews, TOEFL, GMAT and AIMAT exams and writing essays. Wanted to study in NYU and live in New York, but love-of-my-life asked me to stay and study in Manila. It was a matter of choosing love or career. I took a leap of faith and chose love! Yihee! Traveling was limited to Singapore and Malaysia.
2003 - started MBA school in AIM. The year was spent reading case studies, writing business plans, WACS, doing financial statements, analyzing financial ratios, preparing powerpoint presentations with CAN group mates. Best thing about my dorm stay - my girl friends Jaraiza, Conci and Alisa!
Current events wise, highlight of the year was the Oakwood mutiny. I was at home in Camp Aguinaldo and the camp was on red alert. My best friend Nina, who was (and still is) reporting for ABS-CBN was there waiting for news to break. When my dad confirmed that there was movement and Nina was doing a live report by phone, I was texting people to stay away from Makati CBD. The excitement was short lived. We soon found ourselves praying non-stop for a peaceful end to the mutiny because my dad, who headed Task Force Libra, was right smack in Makati leading the government forces. Latter part of the year, we moved to Fort Bonifacio when my dad became CG. Exciting things for Dear Hubby too! He graduated valedictorian from law school in Ateneo and was #2 in the bar exams.
2004 - Second year of grad school churning out papers, reports and presentations. Worked on the MRR with Conci. My dad became CSAFP. Moved to the White House in Camp Aguinaldo. School trips to Shanghai and Hong Kong. Stayed behind for a couple more days to explore Hong Kong with Jaraiza and Isabelle. Started writing "My Money" for Lifestyle Asia magazine (thanks to Celine!). Such a high to see my name on print! My grandpa passed away =(
2005 - Started the year with a school trip to Vietnam and Thailand. Graduated and got my MBA. Became a management associate in Citi along with grad school classmates Aset and Mike, we hit it off with fellow MAs Jong and Jacob. Such a fun bunch!
Took pattern making classes in Lasalle College in Makati. Highlight of the year - Got engaged to Dear Hubby, who was accepted into Harvard's LLM program! News Trivia - Remember the Hello Garci days? One time, as Dear Hubby and I were preparing to go out on a date, we went to the ground floor of the White House to get something from the communications room. I saw two kids running around there. As we stepped out of the house, the driveway was filled with cars and a news van. Soon after, Sgt. Doble claimed his family was held hostage in the basement of our (then) home! Turns out those two kids were his. Hostage? What basement? Where? What a liar! If walls could talk!
2006 - Joined cards marketing in the bank. Got promoted.
Went on a family trip to Palawan.
Visited the future in-laws in Vancouver. Dear Hubby started school in Cambridge, MA. Took sewing classes at FIP in Ortigas. Started this blog as an outlet to document my fashion/style obsessions and observations! Soon after, got featured in Inquirer and asked by Jill of Kikay Exchange to contribute blog posts.
2007 - Got married in the Supreme Court. Was interviewed on TV when my friend Pam asked me to be the spokesperson for her site, Steal That Look (don't we all miss that site!). Visited Dear Hubby in Harvard, their family friend Uni in CT, and my friend Me-an in NJ.
Before graduation, Dear Hubby got a job offer from a law firm in Manhattan. He accepted. 3 months later, I joined him in the US and became a housewife (God's way of saying, "See, isn't this a better way of getting you to New York?" He answered my prayer plus I was married to Dear Hubby! God really works in mysterious ways!). Spent my days exploring the city while Dear Hubby worked. Spent weekends hanging out with our friends Me-an & Eric.
Became a regular window shopper and occasional shoe customer at Barneys and Bergdorfs. Hahaha!
Started blogging in Sanriotown (to be revived again very soon)! Re-connected with my high school friend Tet who moved to New York from Frankfurt with her husband and daughter. Became good friends with online buddies Ruby and Ingrid and neighbor Paz!
2008 - Greeted the New Year with Dear Hubby's Harvard friends atop their apartment building in New York's west side. Church wedding in Manila.
Got to dress models backstage for New York Fashion Week. Got to watch a couple of runway shows too. Started my column for The Radar in the Philippine Star. Again, amazing and super exhilarating to see my work in the paper I've read since I was 9. It never gets old. Re-connected with college friend, Sarj, who turned out to be a real housewife of New York City. Met-up with friends in Orlando, FL during the fall and spent Christmas in Vancouver. Best news of all, we became pregnant with Berry.
Went through ge lai. I can imagine getting pregnant again, but I am not ready for ge lai any time soon. In fairness, ge lai helped me recover from the birthing process super fast. I strongly suggest all new moms to practice this. I got my cousin-in-law and her friends who are all chic, sophisticated New York moms convinced, they said I should write a book about it. I think I will! If any of you have ge lai tips, recipes and anecdotes to share, email me at manilafashionobserver@gmail.com. You will definitely be credited for it of course! Finding a literary agent here in New York should be on my 2010 to do list.
In a nutshell, in ten surprisingly short years (it seems like the decade went by in a flash - although graduate school seemed like forever) I earned my MBA, made a career shift from retail to banking (then banking to housewifing!), found myself on the front row seat of Philippine historical events, got engaged and married to the most wonderful guy in the wholed universe, started my blogs (MFO and MFO for Sanriotown), moved to the US and became a homemaker, fulfilled my dream of going into the Bryant Park tents for New York Fashion Week, had our beautiful baby Berry, became a columnist for the Radar in the Philippine Star, met lovely and sincere people who became treasured friends, traveled considerably (but not as much as I wanted to) and moved at least 6 times in the past decade. Whew! What a decade! Each year just keeps on getting better and better! And with God's grace, I just know there are still much more beauty and blessings to unfold for each one of us! Can't wait!
Happy New Year to one and all! May this year bring us more blessings, good health, great cheer and tremendous luck and prosperity! And I wish for all of us to be able to eat all the cake we want! Yay!
For those who have and haven't read up on what's up for 2010, I'm re-posting this article Sarj & I wrote for the Philippine Star. I posted this some time back, and it would be nice to be refreshed! Read on...
Want to know what 2010 will bring in terms of life & style? Sarj & I made our fearless forecast, published in the Philippine Star last week. In a nutshell, we think frugality and sensitivity will be the moods pervading in the air. After we saw people lose jobs, their homes and even their lives this past year, a reality check is in order.
But take note, there's nothing depressing about going back to basics. It just brings out the fighter in us. After all, wasn't it the feisty Mademoiselle Chanel who believed that "hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity"?*
MANILA FASHION OBSERVER By Christine Dychiao
SMOKE SIGNALS By Sarj Stoeckl
There’s no denying that The Great Recession has dampened everyone’s mood consumption-wise since December 2007.
While economic data points are looking at a recovery, it seems like the dark clouds from the recession of seasons past are still hovering over us and will continue to play a major part in influencing trends for 2010.
The difficult economic climate has definitely given us a big slap of reality and forced upon us a refresher course on austerity. Simply put, spending money like it’s going out of style — is now out of style. Frugality will dictate the way we live, eat, dress, work and play. It’s not so much about spending less, but spending smarter. It’s time to go back to basics, folks.
While we don’t claim to be experts in the trade of trend, we combined our resources, did our homework and put together a list of things we can look forward to, for what we hope will be a much better year ahead.
* * *
LIFESTYLE:
Green Living
(from thedailygreen.com)
What started as a buzzword has now become a lifestyle. We’ve all seen how nature has turned against us due to our wanton disruption of nature’s balance. While the main goal should be to minimize one’s carbon footprint and environmental impact, more people will now be living green thanks to (peer) pressure from enlightened family members, friends or work colleagues. Being green is becoming a key factor in the way we assess our purchases and how we live our lives.
Locavores/Farmers’ Markets/Grow Your Own Food/DIY (Do It Yourself)
(from garden.org)
Still in line with the concept of green/eco/sustainable living is the Locavore movement, which encourages consumers to buy from local farmers’ markets or grow and harvest their own food. Foods that need not travel far and instead, come straight from the source, are guaranteed fresh, taste better, are much cheaper, and healthier. It also means less fuel usage to transport goods and supports the business of local farmers.
Staycations (from blogs.freshminds.co.uk)
CNN calls it the alternative to pricey, stressful travel. After all, how much does one have to spend on a vacation in one’s home or town? Soaring gas prices and the financial debacle have practically obliterated the average person’s disposable income. But that doesn’t mean one cannot take time out to relax and unwind, even if that means doing it within the comfort of one’s usual surroundings. As the saying goes, “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”
FASHION:
“Careful Chic”
(Style on a Shoestring by Andy Paige from amazon.com)
It means living life in style, but within one’s means. For those who can still afford life’s pleasures, that translates to toned-down luxury. People with means will definitely still be spending on luxe items, but the kind that equates to real, honest-to-goodness quality — like a perfectly battered pair of bespoke brogues, cashmere blankets that you can hand down to your children, super-soft worn-in jeans, a tailored jacket that will last you a lifetime or leather bags that get better with age.
Those who have less to shell out will spend smarter and choose the best of what they can afford — wising up and picking investment pieces that will go with everything, rather than just zeroing in on what’s hot or what’s “now.”
Borrowing from the Boys (Church's brogues from net-a-porter.com)
2009’s mannish trend will spill over to 2010. The Financial Times reports that women now realize the value of men’s investment buys with stores like John Lewis seeing a spike not only in sales of brogues, but also in small-sized men’s cardigans and shirts, as women seek more authentic “boyfriend” outfits.
Of course, it also makes perfect economic sense to share a closet with one’s man.
Girls, forget Mom’s closet. Raid your Dad’s!
Dressing for Comfort (Isabel Marant from elle.com)
When stylists and editors from all over came out in droves wearing nautical stripes during the spring 2010 shows, we knew they were onto something. It must be the revived interest in Coco Chanel (“ritzycling”), or the simple fact that striped tees or sweaters paired with a jacket give off an instant effortless, cool-girl vibe.
In a season of keeping it real, easy comfort dressing — as though you never spend time obsessing on what to wear — is the name of the game.
Flannel lumberjack shirts reminiscent of ’90s grunge paired with boyfriend jeans will make a comeback. Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang will reinvent the way we look at slouchy gray sweatpants and sweatshirts after getting them all sexy. Christophe Decarnin will continue to wield influence on the high street with his distressed tees, jeans and military-inspired looks for Balmain.
You will still be able to find shapeless shirts and generously cut dresses on racks in 2010. We may be tightening our belts, but we sure are going to keep our tops loose.
Gray Goods
(from whowhatwear.com)
The perfect metaphor for the prevailing mood of uncertainty, gray — and all other neutral tones — will continue to be our color(s) of choice.
Retail Revolution
(from wwd.com)
Shopping becomes fresher and more exciting with pop-up shops and time-limited sales. The pop-up concept is a boon to landlords looking to lease vacant retail sites and labels not ready to commit to a brick-and-mortar existence. Time-limited sales have made online “outlets” or sample sale sites like RueLaLa, Gilt Groupe, HauteLook, Editor’s Closet, and Ideeli the latest venture-capital favorites.
“Masstige”
A portmanteau of the words “mass” and “prestige.”
Wikipedia says that masstige products are defined as “premium but attainable,” and that there are two key tenets: (1) They are considered luxury or premium products and (2) They have price points that fill in the gap between mid-market and super-premium.
This is why designer collaborations have been (and will continue to be) so popular.
Diffusion lines allow us to be avant-garde on a budget, or luxe without having to pay top dollar. And don’t we all just love that?
POP CULTURE:
Celebrity DJs
(from newyorksocialdiary.com)
Jessica Stam, Agyness Deyn and Matt Creed are all doing it, with some of them getting paid thousands of dollars (for drawing in the right crowd), by simply bringing their iPods to the club scene.
Looks like the recession has made celebrities realize the value of having a sideline. Although seriously, it may be the voyeuristic appeal of knowing what these folks listen to that makes them a hot commodity these days. So hot, in fact, that Madonna’s current flame, Jesus Luz, is getting into the game (with Mama Madonna reportedly paying for his lessons).
Glee (from myfizzypop.blogspot.com)
TV’s latest feel-good smash hit is kitschy, kooky and (dare we say it?) downright cheesy. Times like these, it’s the perfect pick-me-up because it takes you back to “the good ol’ days” of high school — when we were all young, impressionable and carefree. It’s the guilty pleasure you just have to indulge, because watching Glee makes us all feel warm and fuzzy. Admit it, you’re a Gleek, too.
Flash mobs
It’s a harmless way to experiment with a new form of technology-enabled collective action. Mobbers like Improv Everywhere continue to amuse and bewilder people all over the world, and the debate continues whether the mass of people that stands out from the crowd is a form of performance art or a new social movement.
For some people, it’s all for fun. For others, it’s a means to socialize. For a few, it’s a political act. Whatever it means to various folks, it’s a silly stunt that’s meant to showcase what technology and a large group of people in sync can do.
It’s People Power, 21st-century version.
Twitter (a.k.a. microblogging)
Though not exactly addressing the Twitter phenomenon, famed trend forecaster Li Edelkoort’s words best describe our fascination with having 140 character-long exchanges: “We live apart and want to be together. We want to come together and meet. We want real relations.”
Friends are made, alliances formed and enemies encountered — all via Twitter. And you can make all those relationships “real” via what has come to be known as a “Tweetup.”
Utilized by all for every single bit of information imaginable — from drivel and gossip to real-time store announcements, promos, political issues, disaster relief efforts, contests, NASA missions, etc. — users are simply addicted because of everyone’s inherent desire to be connected and share information instantly. Everyone wants to be in the loop, and no one wants to be left out.
For breaking news, many turn to Twitter, as opposed to traditional news sites, to get the most real-time information. According to New York-based consumer research firm Zandl Group, "Everyone’s thinking in headlines these days. There’s less up-front emphasis on content or details."
Girl Power
(from Vogue US)
With a fashionably fierce First Lady in the White House, a fearless first-ever Hispanic justice in the US Supreme Court and an indefatigable Secretary of State representing the Free World (and by extension, us all), we hope for more well-intentioned women to ascend into positions of authority. It’s about time.
* * *
At a 2007 trend conference in London, Timo Veikkola, the senior future strategist for Nokia’s consumer trends team, predicted that as we enter 2010, we will be heading into a decade of optimism — how very apropos.
Here’s hoping things do take a turn for the better next year. So that decades from now, we can all look back, feel good and say to ourselves, “Those were good times.”
*From Karen Karbo's The Gospel According to Coco Chanel
Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick - I use S5 Rosy flush for my cheeks. I love this because it makes my cheeks look rosy and I can never apply too much. It looks completely natural. I rub it a couple times over my cheeks and I instantly have flushed, straight from a workout, pink cheeks! I also use S3 Glistening flush to give my face a glow at night. I discovered this thanks to Celine. We were at her cousin, Kuya Gino's wedding, and I just had to compliment her on her glowing skin. She said, that's just Shiseido's Glistening flush! Of course, I bought a stick the next day! I just dab it on top of my existing make-up. I don't know if this is the right way to use it, but pictures show I just look like I have bright and dewy skin. Whatevs! 
Lancome Oscillation Mascara - love that this goes on easily, with the wand vibrating by itself. My lashes look super long and not clumpy at all. But not necessarily thicker. Works for me since I don't really want unnatural looking lashes. My only problem is that I have oily lids so I end up with raccoon eyes. Grrr. 
